DeSantis Faces Legal Threat Over CAIR Terror Label

Clear Facts

• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order labeling CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations.
• CAIR Florida announced plans to challenge the order in court, claiming it violates constitutional rights.
• The executive order bars state agencies from providing contracts, employment, or funds to the listed groups and their supporters.

Governor Ron DeSantis signed an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations.

This action restricts state agencies from offering contracts, employment, or funds to these groups as well as any group deemed to have given them material support.

CAIR Florida responded by declaring their intention to challenge the order in court.

Hiba Rahim, CAIR’s deputy executive director, criticized the governor’s move at a news conference, suggesting it was rooted in conspiracy theories and comparing it to historical targeting of minority communities.

“We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim said at a news conference.

“We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”

Rahim argued the governor’s strong support for Israel and discomfort over CAIR activism played a role in the decision.

Governor DeSantis defended the action, stating he had sufficient grounds for the designation and welcomed a legal challenge.

Speaking to reporters he described the move as “a long time coming” and expected lawmakers to pursue related measures when the legislature reconvenes in January.

Attorney Miranda Margolis criticized the executive order, claiming DeSantis exceeded his authority by unilaterally labeling a nonprofit as a terrorist group.

“This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric,” Margolis said.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott previously issued a similar proclamation, which CAIR is contesting in federal court as a violation of constitutional and state laws.

State-level terrorist designations do not have the legal force of federal Foreign Terrorist Organization listings, which only the U.S. State Department can issue.

CAIR claims the Florida order infringes on First Amendment rights and due-process protections. The group states that only the federal government has authority over terrorism designations.

Stay updated with more on this developing case as Florida lawmakers and courts consider the implications for civil rights, state authority, and national security.

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