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Florida Muslim Civil Rights Group Promises Legal Challenge to DeSantis “Terrorist” Designation
Leaders of the Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) announced Tuesday they will file a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis after he designated the Muslim civil rights organization as a “foreign terrorist organization” through an executive order.
Speaking at a news conference in Tampa, CAIR Florida’s deputy executive director Hiba Rahim denounced the governor’s action as baseless and rooted in conspiracy theories. “We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim said. “We are proud to defend democracy, and we are proud to be America first.”
The executive order, issued Monday, directs Florida agencies to prevent CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood from receiving state contracts, employment opportunities, or funds from any executive or cabinet agency. The designation affects an estimated 500,000 Muslim residents living in Florida, according to CAIR’s statistics.
Rahim suggested the governor’s unwavering support for Israel motivated the executive order, particularly after CAIR’s advocacy for Mohammed Ibrahim, a 16-year-old Palestinian-American from Florida who was released last month after being held in an Israeli prison for eight months. “We will not back down here,” Rahim vowed.
When questioned by reporters at an event in North Miami Beach on Tuesday, DeSantis defended his administration’s decision, saying the designation was “a long time coming” and that he welcomes the impending legal challenge. The governor also indicated this action represents just the beginning of his administration’s efforts, noting that state lawmakers are expected to introduce related legislation during the regular session starting in January.
Legal experts have questioned the governor’s authority to make such designations. Tampa attorney Miranda Margolis, representing the progressive National Lawyers Guild, stated at the news conference that DeSantis lacks legal authority to unilaterally designate a nonprofit as a terrorist organization. “This designation is without legal or factual basis and constitutes a dangerous escalation of anti-Muslim political rhetoric,” Margolis explained.
This move in Florida mirrors recent actions in Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar proclamation. CAIR filed a federal lawsuit against Abbott’s proclamation last month, arguing that it violates the U.S. Constitution and has no basis in Texas law.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations, founded in 1994, operates 25 chapters nationwide and serves as one of the most prominent Muslim civil rights and advocacy organizations in the United States. During the news conference, Rahim compared the current targeting of Muslim Americans to historical persecution of other minority groups, saying such tactics have created fear and division among Jewish, Irish, and Italian American communities in past decades.
President Donald Trump also recently issued an executive order that begins the process to potentially designate certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization, signaling a broader political movement to apply terrorism designations to Islamic organizations.
Political observers note that these developments come amid heightened tensions surrounding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has polarized American politics and increased scrutiny of organizations advocating for Palestinian rights or criticizing Israeli policies.
As the legal challenge moves forward, the case is likely to raise significant constitutional questions about state authority, religious freedom, and the legal standards required for terrorism designations in the United States.
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6 Comments
While I understand the desire to combat extremism, this designation of CAIR as a ‘foreign terrorist’ group seems like a political move rather than a substantive one. I hope the courts rule in favor of protecting free speech and civil liberties.
I’m curious to see how this lawsuit plays out. Designating a major Muslim civil rights group as ‘foreign terrorists’ without clear evidence raises serious constitutional concerns. DeSantis should tread carefully here.
Labeling CAIR as a ‘foreign terrorist’ group seems like an extreme and unjustified measure. I hope the courts can provide a check on this apparent overreach by the governor’s office.
This move by Governor DeSantis seems heavy-handed and likely to face legal challenges. CAIR is a respected civil rights organization, not a terrorist group. Designating them as such based on unsubstantiated conspiracy theories is concerning.
This is a disturbing development. Silencing Muslim voices and advocacy groups under the guise of fighting terrorism is undemocratic and potentially unconstitutional. I hope the courts see through this ideologically-driven attempt to marginalize a minority community.
Hmm, this is a tricky situation. CAIR has a history of defending civil liberties, but the governor clearly sees them as a threat. I’ll be interested to see how the courts weigh the constitutional issues at play here.