Texas designates CAIR a terrorist group
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a proclamation on Nov. 18, 2025 declaring the Council on American‑Islamic Relations (CAIR) a 'foreign terrorist organization' and 'transnational criminal organization,' also naming the Muslim Brotherhood, and said the state would seek to shut them down and bar land purchases. CAIR called the move unlawful and baseless, noting neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood is designated by the U.S. government, and cited a prior DOJ decision closing a related civil‑rights probe without charges.
State Government
Civil Rights & Liberties
📌 Key Facts
- Gov. Greg Abbott issued the proclamation on Nov. 18, 2025 in Texas.
- CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood are not designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the U.S. government.
- Abbott’s proclamation ties to a state law restricting land purchases by 'foreign adversaries'; a GOP lawmaker praised the action.
- CAIR’s Robert S. McCaw sent a letter disputing Abbott’s legal authority and accusing the state of stoking anti‑Muslim hysteria.
- Earlier this year DOJ closed a federal civil‑rights investigation into a Dallas‑area Muslim‑centered development without charges.