NJ Muslim Rights Group Claps Back Against DeSantis After 'Terrorist' Designation In Florida

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The New Jersey chapter of one of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights groups is clapping back against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ after he labeled the nonprofit as a “terrorist organization.”

Earlier this week, DeSantis issued an executive order designating two groups as “foreign terrorist organizations” in Florida: the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Founded in 1994, CAIR has chapters in nearly two dozen states, including New Jersey and Florida. According to its website, the nonprofit’s mission includes “enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims.”

DeSantis has argued otherwise.

In his executive order, the Florida governor accused CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood of having fundraising connections to Hamas, which the U.S. federal government designated as a foreign terrorist organization in 1997.

CAIR has denied having any ties to Hamas, calling the claim a “conspiracy theory.”

DeSantis’ order instructs Florida agencies to “undertake all lawful measures to prevent unlawful activities by these organizations, including denying privileges or resources to anyone providing material support.”

CAIR has since announced that it is planning to sue, claiming that DeSantis’ order is defamatory and unconstitutional.

DeSantis has pushed back, saying that he is “looking forward to [legal] discovery” – especially involving the nonprofit’s finances.

In New Jersey, the local CAIR chapter issued a statement on Tuesday, alleging that the move is “rooted in anti-Muslim bigotry” and violates the First Amendment.

“These designations aim to suppress a community’s voice against injustice, corruption and human rights violations,” CAIR-NJ said.

“Attempts to criminalize our work will not deter us from defending civil rights, upholding the Constitution, and standing alongside all who are fighting for justice, equality and human dignity,” the nonprofit added. “Our commitment to these principles is unwavering, and no political stunt will silence our community or our mission.”

MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

DeSantis’ order also referenced President Donald Trump’s recent federal executive order to “designate certain Muslim Brotherhood chapters as foreign terrorist organizations,” which was issued in November.

DeSantis claimed that the Muslim Brotherhood’s “Islamist ideology” is “irreconcilable with foundational American principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” – including the right to religious freedom and equal protection of the law.

The Florida governor’s move follows a similar designation made by his fellow Republican, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott last month. That order has also been challenged in court.

The declarations from DeSantis and Abbot come even though only the federal government can designate terrorist organizations. Neither CAIR or the Muslim Brotherhood are currently on the U.S. government’s list.

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