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Abbott Designates Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as Terrorist Groups Under Texas Law, Bars Land Purchases

The move sets up a legal test because only the U.S. government can issue binding federal terrorist designations.

Overview

  • The Nov. 18 proclamation labels both organizations as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal groups under Texas statutes and invokes the state Penal and Property Codes.
  • It bars the groups and their affiliates from acquiring real property in Texas and authorizes Attorney General Ken Paxton to seek injunctions and penalties, including mandatory divestiture.
  • Abbott’s order cites FBI statements, the Holy Land Foundation case, and restrictions by foreign governments as its evidentiary basis.
  • CAIR denounces the action as defamatory and unlawful, says it has consistently condemned terrorism, and threatens to sue if the proclamation is enforced.
  • Legal analysts note the designation has no federal immigration, asset-freeze, or material-support effects and that the state has not detailed how it will determine affiliations or carry out enforcement.