POLITICS

Florida Civil Rights Group Sues DeSantis Over Designation

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Sources: 6

Center 67%

Right 33%

Sources: 6

Tallahassee — The Council on American-Islamic Relations filed a federal lawsuit Monday challenging Gov. Ron DeSantis’s executive order declaring CAIR a 'foreign terrorist organization,' asking a federal judge to block enforcement and find the order unlawful and unconstitutional. CAIR-Foundation and CAIR-Florida said DeSantis lacked federal authority and targeted the group for defending speech and religious rights; suit alleges he 'usurped' federal designation powers. CAIR noted it condemns terrorism and cited its nationwide chapters. DeSantis’s office defended the designation. Legal filings and public statements frame the dispute. Separately, House Republicans launched a Sharia-focused caucus. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1994: Coverage notes CAIR’s origins tied to organizations formed in 1994.
2. November: Reporting references a presidential process for designating related organizations.
3. Early August 2025: Gov. DeSantis issued an executive order labeling CAIR a foreign terrorist organization.
4. Late Monday: CAIR-Foundation and CAIR-Florida filed a federal lawsuit in Tallahassee challenging the order.
5. Following filing: CAIR held a press conference; DeSantis’s office responded; House Republicans formed a Sharia-focused caucus.