UPDATE: Texas has made history by becoming the first state to officially designate the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations. This urgent proclamation was issued by Governor Greg Abbott on August 15, 2023, prohibiting these groups from acquiring any property within Texas and authorizing enhanced enforcement measures against them.
Governor 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.’” This declaration represents a significant escalation in Texas’s approach to combating what officials deem as radical extremism.
The proclamation relies on the Texas Penal Code and Texas Property Code, enabling the state to act decisively against these organizations. Abbott’s statement emphasizes the perceived threats posed by CAIR, which he claims has ties to “terrorism-related activities.” In a pointed remark, he declared, “These radical extremists are not welcome in our state.”
CAIR, founded in 1994, positions itself as a civil rights organization for Muslims but has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its alleged connections to terrorism. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has previously described CAIR as a “front group” for Hamas, raising alarms about its activities in the United States.
The immediate fallout has seen CAIR denounce Abbott’s proclamation, labeling it a “publicity stunt” devoid of factual or legal basis. The organization has indicated plans to pursue legal action in response. In a statement to the Texas Tribune, CAIR asserted, “Although we are flattered by Greg Abbott’s obsession with our civil rights organization, his actions will not stand.”
The Muslim Brotherhood, established in 1928 in Egypt, aims to Islamize society and is linked to various extremist groups, including Hamas. While several nations—including Austria, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—have designated it as a terrorist organization, it has yet to receive similar classification within the United States.
However, political pressure is mounting. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas recently reintroduced legislation aimed at designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization following a violent incident linked to a supporter of the group. The attack, which left one person dead and more than a dozen injured, has intensified calls for action against such affiliations.
The Middle East Forum, a think tank dedicated to foreign policy, praised Abbott’s decisive move. Director Gregg Roman stated, “This is vindication,” referencing the extensive documentation of CAIR’s alleged ties to Hamas. He urged other states to adopt similar measures, emphasizing the necessity for local governance to protect citizens from organizations associated with terrorism.
Roman added, “Texas just proved that states don’t need Washington’s permission to protect their citizens from terror-linked organizations.” His remarks reflect a growing sentiment among some officials that the federal government has been slow to address these issues effectively.
As Texas sets a precedent, the implications of this decision could resonate across the nation. Other governors may soon face pressure to follow suit, raising critical questions about the intersection of state authority, civil rights, and national security.
Next steps: Watch for potential legal challenges from CAIR and discussions in other states regarding similar designations. The ramifications of Texas’s bold move are likely to unfold rapidly in the coming weeks, as public opinion and political actions continue to evolve. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
