Federal Judge Blocks DeSantis’s Attempt to Designate CAIR as Terrorist Organization

A federal judge has temporarily blocked Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’s executive order designating the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization, deeming the action unconstitutional and a violation of First Amendment rights. The preliminary injunction, issued by U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, prevents the enforcement of the order while a lawsuit challenging its legality moves forward.

DeSantis’s Executive Order and CAIR’s Response

Governor DeSantis issued the executive order on December 8, directing Florida’s state agencies, as well as local governments, to deny contracts, employment, funding, benefits, or privileges to CAIR and anyone providing “material support” to the organization . CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights group with over 20 chapters nationwide, filed a lawsuit in December arguing the order was unlawful and unconstitutional, asserting that the authority to designate terrorist organizations rests solely with the federal government .

Judge Walker’s Ruling

Judge Walker’s ruling emphasized that the governor’s actions were a “political statement at the expense of others’ constitutional rights” and that the First Amendment protects CAIR’s speech just as it protects any other organization’s lawful expression . The judge found that the order coerced third parties, threatening them with the loss of government benefits if they associated with CAIR, thereby suppressing the organization’s protected speech .

Walker, a Barack Obama appointee, criticized DeSantis for “choosing to be a bully” and exceeding his authority .

Reactions to the Ruling

CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad expressed gratitude for the ruling, stating it served as a reminder that the Constitution still matters amid attempts to undermine democracy and attack free speech . DeSantis’s communications director responded by accusing the judge of making a political statement from the bench, citing judicial ethics concerns .

Ongoing Legal Battle

The injunction will remain in effect while the lawsuit proceeds. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the DeSantis administration and civil rights groups, particularly those advocating for Muslim communities .