Muslim Leaders Raise Alarm Over Texas Governor’s Actions Against CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood

Muslim Leaders Raise Alarm Over Texas Governor’s Actions Against CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood
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Leaders of the Muslim community and civil rights advocates have expressed concern over a series of moves by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott this week targeting Islamic organizations, warning that the actions could fuel Islamophobic rhetoric and put Muslim Texans at risk, KVUE ABC reported.

On Tuesday, Abbott designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as “foreign terrorist organizations” and “transnational criminal organizations,” a move that authorizes enforcement measures including lawsuits to shut them down, restrictions on land ownership, and heightened scrutiny by law enforcement. Abbott claimed both organizations support terror groups such as Hamas and seek to impose Sharia law, a characterization CAIR denies.

In response, CAIR filed a federal lawsuit Thursday challenging the designation as unconstitutional and defamatory, arguing that federal law grants only the U.S. Secretary of State authority to declare a foreign terrorist organization. The lawsuit also contends the designation violates due process rights and misrepresents CAIR’s mission as a domestic civil rights organization.

State and community leaders, including Muslim state lawmakers and civil rights advocates, criticized Abbott’s actions, stating that the proclamations single out Muslim Texans, undermine trust in government, and could heighten fear and hostility toward the community. “Texas has a proud history of welcoming people of all faiths,” said a coalition of lawmakers, noting that Muslims make up roughly 2% of the state population.

The designations follow a broader legislative effort in Texas to restrict property developments associated with Muslim communities, including scrutiny of projects such as EPIC City in Collin County, though CAIR is not involved in the development. Community members, including students, report experiencing heightened discrimination and fear in the aftermath of Abbott’s announcements.

Abbott’s office has defended the measures as necessary to confront potential threats and uphold state law, citing the authority granted under Senate Bill 17. CAIR maintains that it engages solely in lawful advocacy and civil rights work, and that the governor’s actions are politically motivated and legally unfounded.