Title: FBI Restrictions on CAIR: A Decade-Long Controversy and Recent Developments
The FBI has been limiting official contact with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) for over a decade due to concerns about the group's ties to Hamas, as revealed in a 2013 Office of Inspector General report. The FBI implemented a nationwide restriction in 2008 after evidence linked CAIR leaders to Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Recently, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott designated CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations, sparking renewed calls for federal action against Islamist networks in the U.S. The FBI issued internal memoranda in 2008 instructing field offices to cease non-investigative engagement with CAIR unless approved by headquarters.
Despite the bureau-wide restrictions, the OIG found violations between 2010 and 2012, where field personnel did not adhere to the CAIR policy. The FBI's lack of effective implementation and oversight of the restrictions was highlighted in the report.
Abbott's decision to classify CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations in Texas adds significance to the ongoing FBI restrictions. The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) also warned of Muslim Brotherhood-linked organizations infiltrating American institutions, urging federal lawmakers to follow Texas' lead.
CAIR has denied any wrongdoing, emphasizing its opposition to terrorism and accusing critics of guilt by association. The OIG recommended the FBI enhance training and enforcement around the CAIR restrictions and ensure compliance with headquarters' directives.
In response to the report, CAIR stated that it has communicated with the FBI on issues like hate crimes against the American Muslim community and crime prevention. The group highlighted its role in warning the FBI about potential threats and saving lives, but clarified that they do not engage in photo ops or community events with the FBI.
CAIR acknowledged being critical of some FBI tactics and facing off in court, citing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against FBI watchlist abuses. The FBI and ISGAP did not immediately respond to requests for comment.