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A Muslim civil rights organization has announced plans to sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after he designated it a “foreign terrorist organization.”

Some shit you should know before you dig in: Recently, Governor DeSantis moved forward with an executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a “foreign terrorist organization,” citing national security concerns and alleged ties to extremist groups. DeSantis argued the move was necessary to protect Floridians from what he called “radical Islamic terrorist organizations,” claiming that CAIR was founded by individuals connected to the Muslim Brotherhood and accusing it of providing material support to groups like Hamas. The executive order directs all Florida state agencies to take “all lawful measures” to prevent any form of support or benefit from reaching CAIR or its affiliates, including denying contracts, employment, funding, and other state resources. Additionally, the order empowers law enforcement to monitor and act against any individuals or entities believed to be aiding CAIR. DeSantis stated that this action would help safeguard the state by limiting the influence and operations of organizations he perceives as threats under the guise of civil rights advocacy.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, CAIR confirmed it is preparing to sue the DeSantis administration, calling the executive order defamatory, unconstitutional, and a direct attack on the Muslim community in Florida. CAIR argues that the designation is not only baseless but also illegal, since the power to declare any group a “foreign terrorist organization” lies solely with the federal government (and not individual states).

CAIR also maintains it has no affiliation with terrorist groups and insists it condemns all violence against civilians. Leaders within the organization also pointed to what they describe as a pattern of targeted political escalation, noting that this executive order comes just weeks after Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar proclamation. In Texas, CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood were both banned from purchasing or acquiring land, with Abbott accusing the groups of promoting terrorism and undermining state law through intimidation. CAIR is already suing the Texas government over that move, alleging that it violates constitutional rights and furthers anti-Muslim bigotry.

This all comes as longstanding accusations have circulated claiming that CAIR has ties to the Muslim Brotherhood and other designated terrorist organizations. Critics, including Governor DeSantis and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), allege that some CAIR leaders were previously connected to groups that supported Hamas. The 2007 Holy Land Foundation trial, in which several individuals were convicted of funneling money to Hamas, is often cited in these claims, despite CAIR not being formally charged in the case.