'Feels like Pakistan, not Dallas': Texas Congressman Brandon Gill’s ‘Islamisation’ claim sparks backlash

Congressman Brandon Gill says constituents are worried about demographic change and mosque growth in parts of the Dallas area, calling it a “problem”.

A Republican lawmaker from Texas has said he is hearing growing concerns from constituents about what he described as the “Islamisation” of parts of the Dallas area, remarks that have fuelled political and cultural debate.

Congressman Brandon Gill, who represents Texas’ 26th Congressional District, made the comments during an interview with Real America’s Voice on Friday.

Gill said constituents frequently raise concerns about demographic and cultural changes in their neighbourhoods.

“I hear from constituents all the time who are deeply and desperately concerned about the Islamisation of the Dallas area,” he said. Referring to reports of new mosques, Gill added that residents talk about “mosques that are popping up near land that they or their family have owned for generations”.

“We have entire communities who are being transformed,” he said. “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.”

Gill echoed the sentiment in a social media post, writing: “Mass Islamic migration is killing the America we know and love.”

The remarks have drawn attention for their language around religion and migration, with critics arguing such comments risk stigmatising Muslim communities.

Gill was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2024. He serves on the Judiciary, Budget and Oversight Committees, including the DOGE Subcommittee.

According to his congressional profile, his focus areas include border security, government spending oversight and economic policy.

The comments come amid an increasingly polarised debate in the US over immigration, religious identity and demographic change, particularly as such issues become prominent in election-year political messaging.