In a significant move that has drawn national attention, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Transnational Criminal Organizations under state law.
Governor Abbott's Proclamation Details
The proclamation was issued on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, and represents one of the most comprehensive state-level actions against these organizations in recent US history. Governor Abbott's order specifically bars both groups from purchasing land within Texas territory and authorizes the state attorney general to initiate legal proceedings to halt their operations.
The document cites the Muslim Brotherhood's alleged promotion of violent jihad and support for terrorist affiliates operating abroad. It also references multiple US court findings, including the prominent Holy Land Foundation terrorism-financing case, to support claims that CAIR maintained associations with Hamas.
International Context and Legal Basis
Abbott's proclamation draws upon statements made by Brotherhood leaders and designations previously established by several countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Austria, and the United Arab Emirates. These nations have all implemented restrictions or outright bans on entities linked to the Muslim Brotherhood in recent years.
Regarding CAIR specifically, the governor's order makes several serious allegations. It claims the organization originated as part of a Hamas support network based in the United States and notes that the FBI severed formal ties with CAIR back in 2008. The document also references terrorism-related convictions faced by CAIR leaders and former members over the past two decades.
Immediate Legal Consequences in Texas
The designation carries substantial legal weight within Texas jurisdiction. Organizations and individuals found to be "promoting or aiding" these groups now face heightened civil and criminal penalties under state law. Texas authorities can seek court injunctions to shut down their activities completely.
Most notably, the groups are now prohibited from purchasing or acquiring land under specific provisions of the Texas Property Code. Any Texas land acquired in violation of this order will require mandatory divestiture, creating significant operational challenges for both organizations within the state.
Governor Abbott emphasized that this action followed extensive consultation with the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Homeland Security Council, indicating coordinated planning behind the move.
Broader Legislative Context
This proclamation builds upon several laws Governor Abbott has signed in recent years. These include a 2017 law prohibiting the enforcement of foreign laws, including Sharia, within Texas jurisdiction. More recently, a 2023 act strengthened tools available to combat foreign terrorist organizations, while multiple 2025 measures restricted land purchases by foreign adversaries and banned exclusive residential compounds.
The Texas terrorist designation represents one of the most aggressive state-level actions taken against these organizations in the United States and is likely to spark both legal challenges and political debate in the coming weeks.
