Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has officially labeled the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a “foreign terrorist organization,” aligning with a similar move made by Texas recently. This designation, outlined in an executive order posted by DeSantis, directs Florida agencies to block CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood from obtaining contracts, employment, or funds from any state executive or cabinet agency.
In response, CAIR and its Florida chapter announced plans to sue DeSantis, condemning the proclamation as unconstitutional and defamatory. Taking a defiant stance on social media, CAIR criticized DeSantis’s political relevance and vowed to challenge him in court. The organization also accused DeSantis of prioritizing the Israeli government over the interests of Florida residents.
Founded in 1994, CAIR operates across the country with 25 chapters and has been actively involved in legal battles with the federal government since the events of 9/11. Notably, CAIR has advocated for individuals it claims were unjustly placed on the government’s secret terrorism watchlist, which impacts travel within the U.S.
The organization has faced challenges under the Trump administrations, particularly contesting policies such as the travel ban affecting citizens from several Muslim-majority nations. More recently, CAIR has condemned Trump’s rhetoric towards Somali Americans and criticized the crackdown on immigration, which includes measures like increased social media scrutiny and deportation of individuals expressing support for Palestinians.
CAIR came under scrutiny again after a pro-Palestinian commentator, Sami Hamdi, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement following an address at a CAIR event in Sacramento. The Department of Homeland Security accused Hamdi of supporting Hamas-led attacks on Israel, leading to his voluntary departure from the U.S.
The Muslim Brotherhood, originating in Egypt almost a century ago, operates globally with a stance of non-violence and aims to establish Islamic governance through peaceful means. While some view the group as a threat, there are no specific Muslim Brotherhood chapters in the United States.
