On Tuesday, Republican Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a controversial move by declaring the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organizations in the United States, a "foreign terrorist organization" through a new proclamation. The declaration comes with significant implications, as Abbott stated it would empower the state to attempt to shut down CAIR and restrict its actions within Texas.
In addition to labeling CAIR a foreign terrorist organization, Abbott also designated it as a "transnational criminal organization," which includes a prohibition on the organization purchasing land in the state. The proclamation further extended its reach by including the Muslim Brotherhood, which is not recognized as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
CAIR responded to Abbott's remarks by refuting the legitimacy of his claims, highlighting that his declaration was unfounded both legally and factually. Robert S. McCaw, the organization's government affairs director, emphasized in a letter to Abbott that no state official possesses the authority to unilaterally categorize American entities as terrorist groups. He accused the governor of inciting "anti-Muslim hysteria" and called the claims against CAIR a smear.
Abbott's proclamation comes on the heels of previous actions taken by Texas Republicans aimed at halting the development of a Muslim-centered community near one of the largest mosques in the Dallas area. The East Plano Islamic Center’s initiative, which was investigated by Abbott and other GOP officials, was approached with accusations suggesting the community aimed to enforce Islamic law and create a Muslim-exclusive space. Representatives from the community, denoted as EPIC City, responded to these allegations by deeming them misleading and dangerous, asserting that there was no merit to the claims.
Earlier in the year, the federal Justice Department concluded a civil rights investigation into the planned community without bringing any charges or lawsuits, indicating a lack of substantiation for the concerns expressed by state officials. Abbott's proclamation cited a law he signed this year, intending to restrict "foreign adversaries" from acquiring land, a measure that received commendation from Republican state representatives, including the bill's author Cole Hefner, who referred to the governor's declaration as a clear illustration of the law's necessity.
The Muslim Brotherhood, established in Egypt nearly a century ago, has faced criticism from various governments and factions, particularly in the Middle East, due to its belief in establishing Islamic governance through elections and non-violent means, which some critics perceive as a threat. The order by Governor Abbott marks a significant escalation in the political rhetoric surrounding Muslim organizations in Texas, raising questions about civil rights implications and the potential ramifications for the state's Muslim community.
