Texas Governor Greg Abbott has dramatically escalated his confrontation with Muslim organisations by declaring the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organisations, despite states having no legal authority to make such designations under federal law.
Unprecedented State Action Against Muslim Groups
The Republican governor announced the controversial move on Tuesday, 9th November 2025, during an appearance in Houston, Texas. The designation prohibits both groups from acquiring property in the state and authorises Texas Attorney General to take legal action against entities deemed affiliated with them.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, only the US Secretary of State possesses the authority to officially designate foreign terrorist organisations, following consultation with the Attorney General and Treasury Secretary. The federal process requires congressional notification and publication in the Federal Register.
Limited State Powers and Enforcement Questions
Abbott's declaration carries significant limitations compared to legitimate federal terrorist designations. The state-level action provides no federal immigration consequences, asset freezing powers, or criminal penalties under federal material support statutes.
The governor's office has not specified how it will determine affiliation with CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood, nor what specific enforcement actions it plans to take. The impact appears limited to Texas state law enforcement capabilities.
In his statement, Abbott claimed: "The actions taken by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR to support terrorism across the globe and subvert our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment are unacceptable. These radical extremists are not welcome in our state."
Civil Rights Group Fights Back
CAIR, a Washington-based Muslim civil rights organisation that has operated chapters across the United States for decades, immediately pushed back against the designation. The group provides legal services to Muslim Americans facing discrimination and has consistently rejected accusations of terrorist ties.
In a statement posted on X, CAIR responded: "Greg Abbott is an Israel First politician who has spent months stoking anti-Muslim hysteria to smear American Muslims critical of the Israeli government."
The organisation highlighted its successful track record of suing Abbott three times for First Amendment violations and emphasised its independence from foreign influence, stating it "answers to the American people and relies on support from the American people."
Broader Context of Targeting Muslim Communities
The designation follows months of heightened targeting of Texas' Muslim community, including state action against Epic City, a proposed 400-acre Muslim community development near Josephine, northeast of Dallas. Abbott has repeatedly referred to the project as a "Sharia compound" and launched multiple investigations this year.
Despite these allegations, both the Texas Workforce Commission and US Department of Justice have resolved fair housing investigations into Epic City through conciliation agreements and case closures.
The timing of Abbott's announcement is notable, coming shortly after he revealed his intention to run for re-election as governor next November, suggesting political motivations behind the controversial move.
