Texas Governor Labels Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as Terror Groups

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has officially classified the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations. This historic proclamation, issued on October 3, 2023, makes Texas the first state in the United States to take such a definitive stance against these groups.

The proclamation leverages authority granted under the Texas Penal Code and Texas Property Code, effectively barring the designated organizations from purchasing or acquiring property within the state. Additionally, it allows for “heightened enforcement” measures against the groups. In a press release, Abbott stated, “The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear: to forcibly impose Sharia law and establish Islam’s ‘mastership of the world.’ These radical extremists are not welcome in our state and are now prohibited from acquiring any real property interest in Texas.”

CAIR, established in 1994, describes itself as a nonprofit, grassroots civil rights and advocacy organization for Muslims. Despite this self-identification, the group has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding alleged connections to terrorism. Abbott’s proclamation cites evidence linking CAIR members to “terrorism-related activities,” referencing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s designation of CAIR as a “front group” for Hamas and its supportive network in the U.S.

In response, CAIR condemned Abbott’s measure as a publicity stunt lacking factual and legal grounding, threatening potential legal action. The organization stated, “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.”

Founded in 1928 in Egypt, the Muslim Brotherhood is a Sunni Islamist organization aimed at Islamizing society with the long-term goal of establishing an Islamic state. It has been accused of supporting extremist organizations, including Hamas. Several countries, such as Austria, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have designated it as a terrorist organization. Notably, the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are not officially listed as terrorist groups in the United States, though some members of Congress have introduced legislation targeting the Muslim Brotherhood.

In June 2023, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas reintroduced a bill seeking to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist group following a violent incident involving an Egyptian national who had publicly supported the group on social media. This incident resulted in one death and multiple injuries.

Abbott’s recent action has garnered support from various conservative groups, including the Middle East Forum, a think tank focusing on foreign policy. The forum’s director, Gregg Roman, remarked, “This is vindication. For years, MEF has documented how CAIR — founded by convicted Hamas financier Ghassan Elashi, who is serving 65 years in federal prison — masquerades as a civil rights organization while maintaining its terror support infrastructure.” Roman encouraged other states to adopt similar measures, asserting, “Texas just proved that states don’t need Washington’s permission to protect their citizens from terror-linked organizations.”

Abbott’s proclamation marks a significant shift in the political landscape, reflecting growing tensions surrounding national security and civil rights in the context of religious and ethnic identities. As states navigate the complexities of these issues, Texas now stands as a pivotal example of local legislative action against perceived threats.