Texas Gov. Abbott Designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as Terrorist Groups

Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation on November 18 designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, known as CAIR, as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations under state law. The action, which applies only within Texas, prohibits the groups and their affiliates from acquiring real estate in the state and authorizes the state attorney general to pursue legal measures to halt their operations, including potential asset forfeiture and criminal penalties.

Abbott's office stated that the designation stems from concerns over the groups' alleged support for terrorism and efforts to undermine U.S. laws. In the proclamation, the governor cited the groups' historical ties, including CAIR's origins linked to a U.S.-based network associated with Hamas in federal court findings from the 2008 Holy Land Foundation terrorism-financing trial in Texas. The document also referenced designations of the Muslim Brotherhood by foreign governments, such as Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, and statements from group leaders. "The Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR have long made their goals clear to forcibly impose Sharia law and...