Texas Governor Targets CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood in New Legal Action

AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott announced on Thursday that he has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to open criminal investigations into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood. This decision follows Abbott’s designation of both organizations as transnational criminal organizations, prohibiting them from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas.

Abbott’s announcement comes just two days after he made the designation, stating that the goal is to identify, disrupt, and eradicate terrorist organizations engaged in criminal activities within the state. “We will target threats of violence, intimidation, and harassment of our citizens,” Abbott explained.

The investigations will be conducted in partnership with FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces across Texas. However, it is noteworthy that neither CAIR nor the Muslim Brotherhood is recognized as terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department.

In a statement, Abbott alleged that the two groups promote terrorism and violate Texas laws through acts of intimidation and harassment. “The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR are unacceptable,” he said.

CAIR, a civil rights group, responded by condemning Abbott’s announcement. The organization described it as a “publicity stunt” without factual basis. A CAIR representative emphasized that the group works to protect civil rights and has condemned all forms of unjust violence.

Moreover, state legislators, including Rep. Cole Hefner who sponsored the law enabling the investigations, expressed support for Abbott’s actions, claiming that they are necessary to prevent extremist networks from gaining a foothold in Texas.

Critics, including legal experts, raised concerns about the constitutional implications of Abbott’s designation. They pointed out potential violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments, particularly regarding restrictions based on religious beliefs and viewpoints.

As the situation unfolds, accusations of Islamophobia have arisen, with community members expressing fear that Abbott’s actions may incite discrimination against Muslims in Texas.

Shayan Sajid, a Muslim community member in Houston, shared his disappointment with the governor’s announcement, emphasizing that CAIR is simply an organization aimed at helping individuals. Another community member, Amatullah Contractor, warned that Abbott’s statement puts Muslims at risk of additional scrutiny and fear.

While Abbott claims to uphold the law, questions remain about the authority of state officials to designate terrorist organizations and how such designations may be contested in court.