Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered criminal investigations into the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), officially designating both as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations. The controversial move bans the groups from acquiring land in Texas and authorizes heightened enforcement actions against them.
Abbott’s proclamation, issued this week, directs the Texas Department of Public Safety to identify and “eradicate terrorist organizations engaged in criminal activities” within the state. The governor claimed these organizations pose threats through “violence, intimidation, and harassment” and accused them of attempting to “unlawfully impose Sharia law” in violation of the Texas Constitution.
“The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world,'” Abbott stated in his announcement. “These radical extremists are not welcome in our state and are now prohibited from acquiring any real property interest in Texas.”
Legal Authority Questioned
The governor’s action authorizes the state Attorney General to pursue legal action to shut down the organizations. But critics immediately questioned both the legal basis and motivation behind the move.
In his proclamation, Abbott describes the Muslim Brotherhood as a transnational Islamist organization supporting terrorism globally, while citing FBI claims that CAIR functions as a “front group” for Hamas in the United States.
The designation permits increased surveillance against both groups and permanently bans them from acquiring real property in Texas. “Today, I designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations,” Abbott maintained, adding that the move will allow the state to shut down both organizations and potentially impose fines on those involved.
Is this a legitimate security measure or political theater? Many legal experts suggest the latter, pointing out that designating terrorist organizations is typically a federal responsibility, not a state one.
CAIR Responds
CAIR swiftly condemned Abbott’s actions, calling the proclamation a “publicity stunt” without legal or factual basis.
“Although we are flattered by Greg Abbott’s obsession with our civil rights organization, his publicity stunt masquerading as a proclamation has no basis in fact or law,” a CAIR spokesperson responded. “By defaming a prominent American Muslim institution with debunked conspiracy theories and made-up quotes, Mr. Abbott has once again shown that his top priority is advancing anti-Muslim bigotry, not serving the people of Texas.”
Abbott also made specific allegations against CAIR’s Executive Director, Nihad Awad, claiming he stated Muslims would build a “50,000-strong army” and run for public office to advance Sharia law in America — assertions CAIR disputes as fabricated and rooted in anti-Muslim hysteria.
Religious Freedom Concerns
The governor’s actions have drawn criticism from numerous religious leaders and civil rights groups. Multiple faith leaders condemned the move as an abuse of power that violates fundamental rights to religious freedom.
Critics characterize Abbott’s proclamation as politically and legally dubious, suggesting it aligns with a broader far-right agenda that threatens basic rights to association and religious expression. The investigations come amid a series of other initiatives by the governor, including crackdowns on undocumented immigrants and emergency preparedness measures, though this action against Muslim organizations has garnered the most attention and controversy.
CAIR representatives have indicated they are prepared to legally challenge the designation, setting the stage for what could become a prolonged constitutional battle over the limits of state power in matters typically reserved for federal authorities.
For Texas Muslims, the governor’s actions represent more than just legal maneuvering — they signal an escalation in rhetoric that many fear could further marginalize their communities in a political climate already charged with religious tensions.
