The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has suspended all operations in Florida after a federal court upheld the state’s designation of the group as a domestic terrorist organization. This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute over Florida’s new law that allows such designations, with CAIR and allied organizations arguing the measure is unconstitutional, while state officials defend it as necessary for public safety.

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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the legislation in April, establishing a process for designating domestic terrorist organizations. The law explicitly names CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood. Almost immediately, CAIR and its legal partners challenged the law in court, seeking to block its enforcement on the grounds that it violates First Amendment rights and due process protections.

Federal Court Decision

On Thursday, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida rejected CAIR’s request for an injunction to halt the state’s designation. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the outcome on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “This morning, a federal court upheld Florida’s Domestic Terrorist Organization law and rejected CAIR’s attempt to stop the designations. Great win by our Solicitor General’s office and for the people of Florida!”

"CAIR has officially suspended operations in Florida."

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General

The court’s decision followed oral arguments heard in late October. CAIR was represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), and other legal partners. The lawsuit contends that Florida’s law violates constitutional protections, but the court sided with the state, allowing the designation and enforcement to proceed.

Following the ruling, CAIR’s Florida chapter posted a statement on its website attributing the suspension of operations to what it described as the “baseless and unconstitutional enforcement” of the new law. The organization emphasized that neither CAIR nor its Florida affiliate has been charged with or convicted of any crime, and denied any involvement in terrorist activity. The statement also directed supporters to the ACLU for further information about the ongoing legal challenge.

The national CAIR organization had not responded to requests for comment as of publication. CAIR describes itself as the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, with the Florida chapter organized under state law. The group’s activities in Florida have included advocacy, community outreach, and legal support for Muslim Americans.

CAIR and its legal partners argue that the state’s action is a politically motivated attack on civil liberties. They maintain that the law’s enforcement infringes on the First Amendment rights of free speech and association, as well as due process protections. The legal challenge asserts that the designation process lacks sufficient safeguards and transparency, and that it unfairly targets Muslim organizations.

Founded in 1994, CAIR has been active in political advocacy and civil rights work. Its advocacy arm recently reported a record number of Muslim candidates elected to office nationwide, reflecting the group’s growing influence. However, CAIR has also faced scrutiny in the past. In 2007, the organization was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the federal prosecution of the Holy Land Foundation, a charity accused of supporting Hamas. Prosecutors in that case presented evidence of a network supporting the Palestinian group, but CAIR has consistently denied any connection to the Muslim Brotherhood or support for terrorism. The organization points out that a 1991 memo cited by critics does not mention CAIR and predates its founding.

In public statements, CAIR has reiterated its opposition to all acts of terrorism, regardless of the group responsible. The organization maintains that Florida’s actions are politically motivated and represent an attack on civil liberties, particularly those of Muslim Americans. Supporters argue that the law sets a dangerous precedent for targeting advocacy groups based on political considerations rather than evidence of criminal activity.

The ACLU, SPLC, and other legal partners continue to represent CAIR in federal court, challenging the state’s designation on constitutional grounds. The legal battle is ongoing, with further proceedings expected as the case moves through the courts. As of Thursday, CAIR’s Florida operations remain suspended, and the organization’s future activities in the state are uncertain pending the outcome of the litigation.

The dispute over Florida’s law and CAIR’s designation has drawn national attention, highlighting broader debates over civil liberties, counterterrorism policy, and the rights of advocacy organizations. The outcome of the legal challenge could have significant implications for how states define and address domestic terrorism, as well as for the ability of civil rights groups to operate freely.