The Israeli‑American Civic Action Network (ICAN) strongly supports the introduction of the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025 in both the U.S. Senate (S.2293) and the House of Representatives (H.R.4397 and H.R.3883). This legislation acknowledges the Muslim Brotherhood as the ideological and operational incubator for Hamas and other extremist groups and equips the U.S. government with essential tools to disrupt its global networks.
The bills mandate FTO designation, strengthen enforcement under the 1987 Anti‑Terrorism Act, require annual reporting on Brotherhood branches and affiliates worldwide, and impose visa restrictions on members.
Practical Impact
If enacted, this legislation would:
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Shut down MB operations in the U.S., making it illegal for the group to maintain offices, conduct fundraising, or coordinate activities on American soil.
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Freeze assets and block financial flows to MB branches and affiliates globally through sanctions akin to those applied to other FTOs.
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Restrict entry into the U.S. for known Brotherhood members and senior leaders.
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Mandate annual identification of MB branches worldwide, triggering sanctions or formal FTO listings under Executive Order 13224.
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Cut political cover for MB-affiliated organizations that operate under the guise of charities or civic groups while promoting extremist agendas.
Prevalence in the United States
Although the Muslim Brotherhood does not currently have a public, centralized presence in the U.S., it has been active in America since at least the late 1950s, allegedly forming a network of affiliated organizations—including ISNA, MAS, NAIIT, and Council on American-Islamic Relations—that emerged over decades. These groups, while formally independent, have historical roots tracing back to Muslim Brotherhood leadership and organizational models in the Middle East .
This background demonstrates that while direct operational networks may not be overt, Brotherhood-aligned institutions have long established a deep and enduring footprint within America’s Muslim community infrastructure. The proposed legislation ensures Congress and the administration can move decisively when evidence supports action against branches and subgroups that engage in extremist or violent behavior.
ICAN urges both chambers of Congress to move swiftly to pass this legislation and calls on the administration to implement its provisions without delay.