Full Breakdown
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Files Lawsuit Against CAIR and Muslim Brotherhood
2/6/2026, 6:02:19 AM
Legal Action Against CAIR and Its Affiliates
On February 2, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit aimed at shutting down the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its chapters in Austin, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth. The lawsuit seeks to formally designate CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations, thereby prohibiting them from operating in Texas. This legal action follows a proclamation by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who had previously labeled both organizations as foreign terrorist entities, alleging they were involved in efforts to impose Sharia law and engage in violent radicalism.
Background and Context
Governor Abbott's designation of CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations was made in November 2025, citing alleged ties to Hamas and other extremist activities. Abbott's proclamation aimed to prevent these organizations from acquiring land in Texas and to enhance enforcement against them. The lawsuit filed by Paxton builds on this proclamation, claiming that CAIR serves as the "American face" of the Muslim Brotherhood and has a history of illegal activities.
Key Allegations
In the lawsuit, Paxton alleges that CAIR has connections to terrorism, referencing a 2008 case in which a founding board member of CAIR-Texas was convicted of funneling $12.4 million to Hamas through the Holy Land Foundation. The lawsuit argues that CAIR's operations in Texas violate multiple state laws, including those prohibiting terrorism and transnational criminal organizations from owning property.
Official Statements & Responses
Paxton stated, “Sharia law and the jihadists who follow sharia law have no business being in Texas. Radical Islamic terrorists are antithetical to law and order, endanger the people of Texas, and are an existential threat to our values.” In response, CAIR and its Texas chapters condemned the lawsuit as a “frivolous, politically motivated anti-Muslim publicity stunt that wastes taxpayer dollars.” They emphasized their commitment to fighting the case and highlighted that they have already filed a federal lawsuit to challenge Abbott's proclamation.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Paxton's actions, including CAIR, argue that the lawsuit is rooted in anti-Muslim sentiment and lacks a factual basis. They assert that the allegations against CAIR are part of a broader pattern of targeting Muslim organizations in Texas. CAIR has previously stated that the claims against them have been debunked and that they advocate against all forms of bigotry and violence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Paxton's lawsuit claims CAIR is linked to terrorism, CAIR has consistently denied these allegations, arguing that they are unfounded and defamatory. The federal government has not designated CAIR as a terrorist organization, raising questions about the legal basis for Paxton's actions.
What's Next
The lawsuit's outcome could have significant implications for CAIR's operations in Texas, potentially barring the organization from fundraising, recruiting, and owning property in the state. As the legal battle unfolds, both sides are preparing for a protracted fight in court, with CAIR vowing to continue its advocacy efforts regardless of the lawsuit's outcome.
