Abbott Faces Intensifying Backlash After Moving To Block Muslim Groups From Purchasing Property In Texas

Gov. Greg Abbott recently identified two Islamic organizations—the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)—as terrorist and criminal entities, effectively prohibiting them and their affiliates from acquiring land in Texas. Abbott's announcement alleged that both groups engage in global terrorism and undermine Texas laws via intimidation and violence. “The actions of these organizations are unacceptable,” he asserted in his statement. Notably, neither the Muslim Brotherhood nor CAIR appears on the U.S. State Department's terrorist list. CAIR characterized Abbott’s claims as baseless, asserting that they consistently denounce violence and would legally contest the designation, emphasizing potential First and Fourteenth Amendment violations. Meanwhile, the new Texas law, strengthening Abbott's authority to restrict land ownership among certain groups, has raised significant concerns about discrimination. Legal experts suggest that this power could infringe upon constitutional rights, as groups may lack clarity on how to formally dispute such designations.

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