A fresh controversy has erupted in the United States after Republican Congressman Brandon Gill warned of what he described as the “Islamisation” of Dallas, Texas, drawing sharp reactions online and reigniting debates around immigration, assimilation, and religious diversity in America.
Gill, who represents Texas’s 26th Congressional District in the US House of Representatives, made the remarks during a recent interview with conservative media outlet Real America’s Voice. In the interview, he claimed that constituents had expressed concern over demographic and cultural changes they say are altering the character of their neighbourhoods.
According to Gill, some residents have told him that everyday spaces such as shopping malls no longer feel familiar. “You hear about constituents talking about going to their local malls, and you look around, and it feels like you’re in Pakistan, not Dallas, Texas. That’s a problem,” he said. The statement quickly circulated on social media, triggering criticism as well as support.
Claims of cultural transformation
Gill has repeatedly argued that what he sees as unchecked immigration is reshaping American communities in ways he believes are incompatible with traditional US values. He has claimed that entire neighbourhoods are being “fundamentally transformed,” suggesting that cultural change is happening too rapidly and without sufficient emphasis on assimilation.
In a separate social media post, the congressman alleged that “mass Islamic migration” is underway in parts of the United States, a trend he claimed is “killing the America we know and love.” Critics have described such language as inflammatory, while supporters say it reflects genuine voter concerns that are often dismissed in mainstream political discourse.
The Texas lawmaker has also aligned himself with the Republican-dominated Sharia Free America Caucus, a congressional group that argues Islamic law is incompatible with the US Constitution. Gill has stated that Sharia law and what he terms “radical Islam” have no place in the United States, framing the issue as one of constitutional values rather than religion alone.
“There is a fundamental truth we have to recognise — not all cultures are created equal,” Gill has said previously, adding that radical Islam represents a political ideology with a sharply different understanding of freedoms such as free speech.
Role of the Sharia Free America Caucus
The Sharia Free America Caucus was formed to oppose what its founders describe as the influence or spread of Sharia law within the United States. Members of the caucus say their goals include educating lawmakers and the public about perceived risks and backing legislation aimed at preventing Sharia from influencing American legal or immigration systems.
Civil rights groups, however, have long criticised such caucuses, arguing that they stigmatise Muslim communities and conflate extremism with mainstream religious practice.
Online backlash and personal scrutiny
Gill’s comparison between Dallas and Pakistan sparked an immediate backlash online. Several users pointed out that the lawmaker’s wife, Danielle D’Souza Gill, is of Indian origin, using the fact to mock or question his remarks.
One social media user wrote, “Dude is so used to living in New Delhi that it is now second nature for him to hate Pakistan.” Another comment suggested the reference to Pakistan was deliberate, saying, “Name checking Pakistan specifically to keep the Indian wife happy.”
Others defended Gill’s stance, arguing that immigration policy should prioritise assimilation and respect for local culture. One supporter wrote that “Texans shouldn’t feel like strangers in their own neighbourhoods,” calling for stricter enforcement of immigration laws.
Danielle D’Souza Gill is the daughter of conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza, a prominent ally of former US President Donald Trump. The couple has previously drawn attention for controversial remarks, including criticism of Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s youngest and first Muslim mayoral candidate.
In one earlier incident, Gill reposted a video showing Mamdani eating rice with his hand, writing that “civilized people in America don’t eat like this” and suggesting those unwilling to adopt Western customs should leave the country. That comment, like his recent remarks, drew widespread condemnation.
As the debate continues, Gill’s comments have once again highlighted the deep divisions in the US over immigration, multiculturalism, and the boundaries of political speech.
