Florida
DeSantis Administration Delays CAIR Designation as Domestic Terrorist Group Amid Legal Challenges in Florida
On the day a law went into effect allowing a handful of officials to declare organizations terrorist groups, Gov. Ron DeSantis held a news conference in Tampa announcing a recommendation from the state’s chief of domestic security to designate the…
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Key points
- Governor DeSantis delays the designation of CAIR as a domestic terrorist group.
- Legal challenges are underway regarding the designation process.
- Local Muslim communities are expressing concern over rising threats and political climate.
NewsWK — In a recent development concerning domestic security, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has faced delays in designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a domestic terrorist organization. This announcement comes on the heels of a new law allowing state officials to designate groups as terrorist organizations based on certain criteria.
On July 1, 2026, during a press conference in Tampa, Governor DeSantis revealed recommendations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to label CAIR, along with the Muslim Brotherhood and Antifa, as domestic terrorist groups. However, nearly two weeks later, the designation has not yet been finalized, and there is no timeline available for when it might take effect, as noted in a recent federal court filing.
Scott McCoy, deputy legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), criticized the state officials’ intentions, suggesting that the delayed designation is politically motivated rather than a legitimate public safety concern. Following DeSantis’s announcement, legal representatives for CAIR and its Florida chapter filed a lawsuit challenging the designation, which is currently being considered in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in Tallahassee.
The FDLE has been tasked with determining whether organizations meet the criteria for terrorist designation, which includes being based in Florida and posing a security threat. Governor DeSantis indicated that an emergency meeting would be needed to move forward with the designation, but as of now, no such meeting has been scheduled.
In addition to CAIR, the governor has also implicated other groups, including Antifa and the Muslim Brotherhood, which have been linked to various criminal activities. CAIR’s executive director in Florida, Hiba Rahim, expressed concern over the current political climate, noting an increase in threats against members of the Muslim community.
This situation remains fluid, and local residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties should stay informed as the legal proceedings and the state’s actions develop further. The repercussions of these designations could impact community relations and safety for local Muslim populations.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Based on reporting by Mitch Perry originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
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