The political advocacy arm of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) is accused of illegally soliciting funds in New York City during the recent Democratic primary elections. CAIR Action Inc. allegedly failed to register with the New York State Attorney General's office, a requirement for nonprofits seeking to solicit donations within the state, according to a report by the Intelligent Advocacy Network (IAN).
CAIR Action Inc. had reportedly urged voters to support a slate of congressional candidates, including Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier, and Claire Valdez, who were endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Susan George, CEO of IAN, stated that CAIR Action had "no legal right to raise a dollar" in New York but continued to solicit funds, positioning itself to fundraise through the November elections unless state authorities intervened.
The watchdog group IAN's report indicates that CAIR Action has not registered with the attorney general in any state where it seeks support. In March, California's attorney general barred CAIR Action from soliciting donations pending registration, yet the organization reportedly continued to do so. Washington D.C. has also fined CAIR Action $2,499 for failure to register to solicit contributions in the district.
A spokesperson for New York Attorney General Letitia James' office stated that charities are required to register with the office, though they declined to comment on the specific case. Past actions by the office include issuing a Notice of Violation to the Donald J. Trump Foundation in 2016 for similar fundraising violations and ordering Black Lives Matter to cease soliciting funds in 2020 for lacking New York registration.
CAIR Action Inc., which holds 501(c)(4) status with the IRS, is described as an advocacy group funded by donations and grants. It dedicates half of its charitable efforts to education and protecting civil rights. Ahead of the New York primary, the group produced a voter guide featuring a QR code for donations, though the total amount raised is not yet clear.
CAIR Action is affiliated with the national CAIR organization, a 501(c)(3) group that prosecutors identified as an unindicted co-conspirator in a federal case involving the Holy Land Foundation, which raised money for Hamas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott previously designated CAIR as a terrorist group, a move CAIR is contesting in court. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis had paused a similar designation plan after legal challenges.
CAIR Action did not respond to requests for comment.