Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) a “foreign terrorist organization” under state law, a move that bars the group from acquiring property in Texas and permits the attorney general to pursue civil action against entities the state labels as affiliated. Abbott issued the same state-level designation for the Muslim Brotherhood.

Under federal law, only the U.S. secretary of state can formally designate a foreign terrorist organization. That federal process triggers immigration restrictions, criminal penalties and asset freezes. Abbott’s action does none of that and is enforceable only within Texas. His office has not explained how it will determine whether an individual or organization is “affiliated” with CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood, nor what specific enforcement steps it intends to take.

CAIR, a national Muslim civil rights organization that operates chapters across the United States, rejected Abbott’s claims and said the designation is politically motivated. The group noted that it has previously prevailed in multiple First Amendment lawsuits against the governor.

Abbott’s order comes after months of tension between the state and Muslim communities, including ongoing scrutiny of Epic City, a 400-acre residential development planned northeast of Dallas. The project has faced several investigations this year involving zoning, consumer protection issues and other regulatory matters. Some inquiries have concluded, a U.S. Department of Justice review closed in June, and the Texas Workforce Commission resolved housing complaints in September through a conciliation agreement, while others, including a Texas Rangers investigation, remain active.

In announcing the designations, Abbott accused CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood of pursuing ideological goals he described as incompatible with state law. The order grants Texas authorities the ability to challenge property transactions and pursue civil cases tied to groups the state considers aligned with them.