Texas Governor Labels CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorist Groups, Increases Enforcement
TL/DR –
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. This directive blocks these groups from acquiring land in Texas and increases enforcement against them, based on Abbott’s belief that they aim to impose Sharia law and support global terrorism. The groups, particularly CAIR, which focuses on challenging stereotypes about Islam and promoting civil rights, have denied these accusations and have hinted at legally challenging Abbott’s announcement.
Gov. Greg Abbott Designates CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood as Foreign Terrorist Organizations
Gov. Greg Abbott named the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. The Texas statewide declaration bans both groups from acquiring land and intensifies enforcement against them.
“CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood aim to enforce Sharia law worldwide,” said Abbott. “Their support for global terrorism and subversion of our laws through violence and intimidation are unacceptable.”
While the controversial Muslim Brotherhood’s influence on US remains unproven, its goal is to apply religious law in Muslim-majority countries.
In his proclamation, Abbott accused CAIR, a group established to counter stereotypes about Islam, of being a “front group” for Hamas. CAIR denies these allegations.
CAIR, which concentrates on civil rights and anti-defamation work, countered Abbott’s claims. “His proclamation, based on debunked theories, shows he prioritizes advancing anti-Muslim bigotry over serving Texans,” said a CAIR spokesperson. The group is also prepared to challenge Abbott legally.
The power to designate any group as a foreign terrorist organization usually lies with the U.S. Secretary of State. How Abbott will enforce the declaration is still uncertain.
Sen. Ted Cruz recently introduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025. He portrayed the bill as a modernized strategy to list the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.
CAIR, a vocal opponent of Islamophobia, has reported several hate crimes against Muslims in Texas. Most recently, CAIR-Texas urged law enforcement to investigate an assault on Muslim teenagers. Additionally, CAIR’s Houston chapter called for a probe into an anti-Muslim incident at the University of Houston.
Abbott initiated four state investigations into The Meadow, a proposed development plan by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), accusing it of promoting Sharia law without substantial evidence. The U.S. Department of Justice closed its probe into the matter due to lack of religious discrimination claims, and The Texas Workforce Commission resolved all allegations in September.
Despite the backlash, religious leaders, including CAIR-DFW, claimed Abbott’s probes violated religious freedom rights and were an abuse of power.
EPIC later filed suit against the Texas Funeral Service Commission after it ordered the mosque to cease operations.
The controversy continued with a bill passed in June that could potentially affect developments like The Meadow. The House Bill 4211 amends the Texas Fair Housing Act, reducing exceptions for religious organizations to operate housing developments.
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