CAIR Sues Texas Governor Greg Abbott Over Terrorist Designation

Published: 21 November 2025 Friday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim civil rights organisation in the United States, has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, challenging Abbott’s recent designation of the group’s Texas chapter as a “foreign terrorist organisation.” The move has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates, Democratic lawmakers, and legal experts, who say it is both unconstitutional and defamatory.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, seeks to block Abbott’s designation, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and constitutes an attack on free speech and civil liberties. CAIR’s General Counsel, Lena Masri, emphasized that the group has successfully defended itself against previous attempts by Abbott to target organizations and individuals critical of Israeli policies. “The lawsuit we have filed today is our first step towards defeating Governor Abbott again so that our nation protects free speech and due process for all Americans,” Masri said.

The legal action highlights the ongoing tensions in Texas politics, particularly surrounding freedom of speech, religious rights, and the state’s stance on international and domestic activism. Abbott, a staunch supporter of Israel, has repeatedly targeted pro-Palestinian advocates, including student activists at Texas universities, and has been accused of attempting to suppress dissent through legal and political means.

According to the lawsuit, Abbott “falsely declared” CAIR’s Texas chapter a terrorist organization, a designation that Masri and other legal experts argue has no basis in fact and is designed to intimidate and marginalize the group. The suit contends that such a designation allows the governor to restrict CAIR’s ability to operate, including prohibiting property purchases and threatening closure, in direct violation of the constitutional protections guaranteed under the First Amendment.

CAIR was founded in 1994 and has chapters in most U.S. states, advocating for the civil rights of Muslim Americans and promoting understanding and dialogue between communities. Over the decades, CAIR has frequently been at the forefront of legal and political battles aimed at defending religious freedom, combating discrimination, and challenging policies that disproportionately target Muslims. The organization has also criticized U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Gaza, which has frequently drawn the ire of pro-Israel political figures, including Abbott.

In his announcement on social media platform X, Abbott stated that CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood were being designated as “foreign terrorist and transnational criminal organizations.” The Texas governor framed the action as a measure to protect the state from terrorism, though critics argue that it is a politically motivated attack against a civil rights group exercising its constitutional rights.

Civil liberties groups and political leaders have condemned the designation. Representative Ilhan Omar described Abbott as a “bigot” unfit for public office and denounced the normalisation of anti-Muslim rhetoric in politics. Similarly, the Texas Democratic Party called the designation “dangerous, racist, and Islamophobic,” highlighting the risks posed when elected officials bypass constitutional safeguards to target dissenting voices.

“The First Amendment applies to the State of Texas, whether Greg Abbott likes it or not,” CAIR stated in response to the designation. The First Amendment guarantees freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition, protections that legal analysts argue are being undermined by the governor’s unilateral action.

The lawsuit also points to Abbott’s previous attempts to punish critics of the Israeli government, noting that CAIR has successfully won three prior cases challenging his efforts to restrict free expression. Masri stressed that no civil rights organization should be vulnerable to arbitrary governmental labeling as a terrorist entity, which could have severe legal and social consequences.

Legal experts note that designating a domestic civil rights group as a terrorist organization without evidence could have wide-ranging implications for the First Amendment, potentially setting a dangerous precedent. If allowed to stand, it could empower other state officials to similarly target advocacy groups or minority organizations under the guise of national or state security.

Beyond legal arguments, the case has also sparked public debate about religious freedom, anti-Muslim sentiment, and the role of state governments in regulating civil rights organizations. Critics argue that Abbott’s action is part of a broader pattern of discrimination and political intimidation, particularly targeting Muslim communities and their advocates.

Supporters of CAIR argue that the organization plays a vital role in protecting civil liberties for all Americans, regardless of faith or background. By challenging Abbott’s designation in court, CAIR aims not only to defend itself but also to uphold the broader principles of freedom of expression, religious liberty, and due process.

The lawsuit is expected to bring national attention to the intersection of civil rights and politics in Texas, with potential implications for similar disputes in other states. Legal analysts anticipate a complex court battle that could involve detailed examination of state authority, constitutional law, and the limits of executive power at the state level.

This case also underscores the tension between state-level political decisions and federal constitutional protections. While governors possess significant authority in matters of security and public safety, legal precedent makes it clear that these powers cannot override fundamental rights guaranteed to all citizens. CAIR’s legal challenge will likely test the boundaries of these powers, potentially establishing key precedents for future cases involving civil rights and government authority.

As the lawsuit proceeds, both legal experts and civil rights advocates will be closely monitoring developments. The case is poised to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing conversation about religious freedom, political dissent, and the protection of minority rights in the United States.

Ultimately, the outcome of this legal challenge could have far-reaching consequences, not just for CAIR and Texas, but for civil liberties nationwide. By asserting its right to due process and freedom of expression, CAIR is positioning itself at the center of a debate that touches on the very foundations of American democracy.