Texas Democratic Candidate Faces Backlash for Controversial Comments
A Democratic congressional candidate in Texas has sparked significant controversy after stating her intention to convert an immigrant detention facility near San Antonio into a “prison for American Zionists.” Maureen Galindo, who is vying for a House seat in the newly restructured 35th Congressional District, clarified her remarks following criticism from fellow party members.
Shortly after expressing her disapproval of wealthy backers of Israel, Galindo shared a video on Facebook. In it, she mentioned receiving numerous “death threats” along with disturbing messages after her comments.
“I never intended to suggest that Jews should be sent to concentration camps,” Galindo insisted. “What I’m advocating for is the closure of ICE detention centers and the imprisonment of billionaire American Zionists involved in human trafficking and supporting a genocidal prison system.”
She added, “If they’ve broken the law, shouldn’t they face consequences?”
Galindo further expressed strong opposition to all concentration camps, advocating for the immediate closure of those in South Texas, specifically targeting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
In her response to the backlash, Galindo accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) of undermining her campaign to favor Johnny Garcia, her opponent and a former hostage negotiator. She claimed that a local journalist had misrepresented her statements regarding concentration camps.
The uproar began earlier this month when Galindo posted on Instagram her intention to convert the Karnes ICE Detention Center into a facility for “American Zionists and former ICE agents involved in human trafficking.”
She controversially added, “This will also serve as a castration center for pedophiles, many of whom are likely Zionists.” In subsequent posts, Galindo, who works as a family therapist and housing advocate, accused Garcia of wanting to “warehouse Jews and Mexicans” and alleged that “billionaire Zionists” controlled human trafficking in South Texas.
Prominent Democrats were quick to distance themselves from her comments. Notable figures such as Texas Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Jared Moskowitz from Florida, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York expressed their disapproval.
In a joint statement, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DCCC Chairwoman Susan DelBene condemned her remarks as “despicable” and “disqualifying.” Earlier, the DCCC had accused “Washington Republicans” of secretly funding Galindo’s campaign through undisclosed financial contributions.
Galindo is set to face Garcia in a runoff election next week. In the previous primary, she held a slim lead with 29% to Garcia’s 27%, but neither candidate achieved the required 50% to secure the nomination.
