FBI Restricted Contact with CAIR Years Before Texas Designated Group a Terrorist Organization

WASHINGTON — The FBI imposed restrictions on its agents’ interactions with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as early as 2008, several years before Texas officially designated the organization as a terrorist entity, according to a report from the Justice Department’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

The OIG report, released this week, outlines that the FBI’s limitations stemmed from evidence suggesting ties between CAIR and the Palestinian group Hamas. Officials said the bureau’s policy barred agents from engaging with CAIR representatives in an official capacity, reflecting longstanding concerns about the organization’s affiliations.

CAIR, a prominent Muslim civil rights and advocacy group, has consistently denied any connections to Hamas or involvement in terrorist activities. The group has challenged such allegations and criticized government actions that label it as linked to terrorism.

According to authorities, the FBI’s restrictions were part of broader counterterrorism measures implemented during the post-9/11 era, aimed at preventing potential support networks for designated terrorist organizations within the United States. The bureau’s policy was reportedly based on information gathered through investigations and intelligence assessments.

The Texas Department of Public Safety designated CAIR as a terrorist organization in 2014, citing evidence of ties to Hamas. This state-level designation came years after the FBI had already limited contact with the group, underscoring the persistence of concerns about CAIR’s alleged connections.

The Justice Department’s OIG report did not provide detailed evidence supporting the link between CAIR and Hamas but affirmed that the FBI’s restrictions were grounded in classified intelligence and investigative findings. Officials emphasized that the policies were intended to safeguard national security while balancing civil liberties.

CAIR has repeatedly maintained that it operates as a legitimate advocacy group focused on protecting the rights of Muslim Americans and promoting understanding. The organization has called for transparency and due process in government actions involving its designation.

The FBI’s restrictions on contact with CAIR have been a subject of debate, with some civil rights advocates arguing that such policies unfairly stigmatize a community organization and hinder constructive engagement. Others contend that the measures are necessary to prevent potential support for terrorist activities.

The OIG report’s findings highlight the complexities faced by law enforcement agencies in navigating relationships with advocacy groups amid national security concerns. Officials noted that the FBI continues to review and update its policies to reflect evolving intelligence and legal standards.

As of November 2025, CAIR remains designated as a terrorist organization by Texas, but not at the federal level. The FBI’s longstanding restrictions on official contact with the group remain in place, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The report underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing security priorities with civil rights protections, particularly in the context of organizations representing minority communities.

The Justice Department did not provide additional comment beyond the OIG report’s release. CAIR representatives have not issued a public statement in response to the report as of this writing.