Story perspectives

CAIR Sues Texas Leaders Over 'Terrorist' Label

11/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Center on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton after Abbott designated CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.
CAIR argues the designation is unconstitutional and defamatory, violating its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Abbott's proclamation also targets the Muslim Brotherhood and bans land purchases in Texas.
Civil rights groups and Democratic officials condemn the designation as dangerous and discriminatory.

History

Historical Context

The Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, passed by Congress in 2017, aimed to address foreign threats. In 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization, citing ties to Hamas. This designation raises significant civil rights concerns, echoing historical tensions surrounding the Muslim Brotherhood's influence in U.S. politics and the treatment of Muslim organizations.

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Story summary

The Center on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton after Abbott designated CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization.
CAIR argues the designation is unconstitutional and defamatory, violating its First and Fourteenth Amendment rights.
Abbott's proclamation also targets the Muslim Brotherhood and bans land purchases in Texas.
Civil rights groups and Democratic officials condemn the designation as dangerous and discriminatory.

1 / 2