Governor Greg Abbott announces Texas designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations.
State Proclamation Filed With Secretary of State
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a formal proclamation on Tuesday designating the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations under state law. The order cites state statutes that allow the Governor to classify foreign or foreign linked entities as prohibited organizations and to restrict them from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas.
Findings Listed in Multi Page Declaration
The proclamation, filed with the Secretary of State on November 18, lays out more than a dozen findings that describe the Muslim Brotherhood as a transnational Islamist movement and outline the organization’s links to terrorism worldwide. It also includes a detailed list of past federal cases, convictions, and designations involving CAIR officials, affiliates, and individuals associated with the Holy Land Foundation prosecution. The Governor states that Texas law allows heightened penalties and civil action when an entity meets the definition of a foreign terrorist organization or a transnational criminal organization.
Land Restrictions and Civil Enforcement Actions
According to the proclamation, the designation subjects both groups and their affiliates to the penalties outlined in the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and bars them from buying or acquiring land under the Texas Property Code. The order also authorizes the Attorney General to seek injunctions or civil actions to close any location found to be supporting the organizations or operating as part of their networks.
Recent Texas Laws Cited in Proclamation
The document references several recent state laws, including House Bill 4211 and Senate Bill 17, which limit the ability of foreign adversaries and designated groups to purchase real estate in Texas. It also cites the 2017 law that prohibits the enforcement of foreign laws in Texas courts.
Awaiting Response From Named Organizations
The Governor’s office says the action is intended to strengthen state level enforcement against organizations that officials believe may threaten public safety or attempt to influence state institutions. Neither the Muslim Brotherhood nor CAIR had issued a response at the time the proclamation was filed.
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