The Florida chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations says it now plans to sue Gov. Ron DeSantis after the Republican governor issued an executive order designating the organization a “foreign terrorist organization,” escalating a confrontation that now appears headed for court.
At a news conference, Hiba Rahim, the group’s deputy executive director, condemned DeSantis’ action as an attack driven by what she called conspiracy theories. Rahim compared the designation to historical episodes in which Jewish, Irish, and Italian American communities were targeted by government action. She framed the lawsuit as a defense of constitutional principles, saying CAIR intends to fight back aggressively.
“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.”
Rahim also suggested that DeSantis’ strong support for Israel factored into the governor’s decision, claiming CAIR’s activism had caused “discomfort” for the U.S. ally. She made clear the organization does not plan to retreat in the face of the designation.
DeSantis, however, has shown no signs of backing down. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, the governor said his administration has ample justification for the order and welcomed the prospect of a legal challenge. He described the move as “a long time coming,” signaling that Florida’s action is part of a broader effort rather than a one-off decision.
The executive order also designates the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization. That step aligns with recent actions at the federal level. Last month, President Donald Trump issued an executive order directing the federal government to begin a process that could lead to certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters being formally designated as foreign terrorist organizations.
DeSantis said he expects Florida lawmakers to pursue additional legislation when the state legislature reconvenes in January, calling the executive order “the beginning.” Under the directive, state agencies are prohibited from awarding contracts, employment, or funding to CAIR, the Muslim Brotherhood, or any organization deemed to have materially supported them.
At the Tampa news conference, attorney Miranda Margolis criticized the governor’s order, arguing DeSantis overstepped his authority by unilaterally labeling 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 said.
Florida’s move follows a similar action in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott issued a comparable proclamation. CAIR has already challenged Abbott’s designation in federal court, arguing it violates both the U.S. Constitution and Texas law. Muslim and interfaith organizations have urged Abbott to rescind that order.
State-level designations, however, do not carry the same legal force as federal Foreign Terrorist Organization classifications, which can only be issued by the U.S. State Department. CAIR argues DeSantis’ order infringes on its First Amendment rights, violates due-process protections, and intrudes into an area reserved for federal authority.
DeSantis and his allies, for their part, have indicated the state is prepared to defend the order and expand related measures. As Florida moves forward and CAIR prepares its lawsuit, the dispute sets up a high-profile legal and political battle over state authority, national security, and the limits of executive power.
