Overview
- Ken Paxton filed an answer in federal court denying CAIR’s allegations and urging dismissal, arguing the challenge targets a state action that has not produced enforceable injury.
- Paxton’s filing contests jurisdiction, notes the governor’s proclamation names CAIR nationally rather than the Texas chapters, and frames the dispute as disagreement with the state’s security determinations.
- Gov. Greg Abbott’s Nov. 18 proclamation labeled CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations under Texas law, blocking land purchases and authorizing heightened enforcement.
- CAIR’s Dallas–Fort Worth and Austin chapters sued, asserting First Amendment and due process violations and describing a chilling effect on advocacy, while reiterating the group’s condemnation of terrorism.
- Related moves include Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ order barring contracts and funding for the groups, President Donald Trump’s directive to begin a federal review of certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters, and Abbott’s request that Treasury suspend CAIR’s tax-exempt status.