The fight between Gov. Greg Abbott and one of Texas' most prominent Muslim civil rights organizations is escalating.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations announced it has filed a federal lawsuit against Abbott to block the enforcement of a proclamation he issued earlier this week. The proclamation bans CAIR and The Muslim Brotherhood from owning land in Texas and designates them as terrorist organizations.

On Friday, joined by other Texas Muslim organizations, CAIR said it is standing up for what it calls an attack on civil rights.

"We are not and will not be intimidated by smear campaigns launched by politicians like Mr. Abbott," said Imran Ghani, with CAIR's Houston chapter. "Mr. Abbott is defaming us and other American Muslims because we are effective advocates for justice here

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