Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, has declared the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a terrorist organization and part of transnational criminal groups through an official order. This decision prohibits the activities of CAIR and its affiliates within the state, despite the organization not being listed as a terrorist group by the federal government.

CAIR, the largest civil rights advocacy group for Muslims in the U.S., denounced the move as baseless and illegal, vowing to challenge it in court. Observers suggest that this directive is linked to the controversial "Epic City" housing project in the Dallas area, managed by Muslims, which has faced opposition from Republican officials.

Cole Hefner, a Republican state representative, deemed the governor's decision necessary for maintaining Texas's security. In contrast, Salahuna Boujani, one of the few Muslim legislators in the state, called it an attack on religious freedom, urging its repeal.

Legal experts emphasized that designating foreign terrorist organizations is solely the federal government’s prerogative, raising significant legal and constitutional questions about the governor's actions. Civil rights advocates warn that this decision could impose further restrictions on the lives of Muslims in Texas.