US Congressman says parts of Dallas ‘feel like Pakistan’, sparks backlash

US Congressman says parts of Dallas ‘feel like Pakistan’, sparks backlash

• US Congressman Brandon Gill claimed parts of Dallas feel "like Pakistan"
• Comments sparked criticism from civil rights groups and Muslim community leaders
• Debate highlights tensions over immigration, religion, and identity in Texas

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A US Congressman has sparked controversy after claiming that parts of Dallas, Texas, feel “like Pakistan” and alleging an ongoing “Islamisation” of communities in the state. The comments, made by Republican lawmaker Brandon Gill, quickly drew sharp criticism from civil rights groups, political opponents and members of the Muslim community.

The 31-year-old US representative made the remarks during an interview with Real America's Voice on Friday. He argued that fast immigration had altered the cultural fabric of some towns, pointing out that some malls and neighbourhoods in the Dallas area seem to have undergone demographic transformation.

Gill told the network he frequently hears from constituents "deeply and desperately concerned" about changes in the Dallas area. The lawmaker claimed residents are worried about mosques being built near land their families have owned for generations and that entire communities are being "fundamentally transformed. "

He said the change was worrisome and implied that American identity was being undermined. His comments were picked up by other news sites and extensively shared on social media.

Texas, especially the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area, has seen a significant uptick in population growth over the past few years. Both domestic and foreign immigration have resulted in propelling Texas to be among the fastest-growing states in the nation, according to data from the US Census Bureau. There has been a steady increase in the state’s Muslim population, which is a trend consistent nationwide, as confirmed by research from the Pew Research Center.

Critics say Gill’s comments unfairly single out a religious minority and risk inflaming tensions. Advocacy organisations have argued that describing neighbourhoods as being “Islamised” frames demographic change in alarmist terms and ignores the diversity within immigrant communities. Some community leaders in Dallas said such rhetoric can stigmatise law-abiding residents who contribute to the local economy and civic life.

Supporters of stricter immigration policies, however, say concerns about cultural integration and rapid demographic shifts are legitimate topics for public debate. Texas has been at the centre of national political battles over border security, asylum policy and state-level enforcement measures. The issue is likely to remain politically charged as the 2026 election cycle approaches.

The controversy also prompted many people to come and criticise Gill on a personal note, pointing to his marriage to Danielle D’Souza Gill, who is of Indian-origin. Others defended it saying this had nothing to do with the substance of the policy debate.

The episode highlights how topics like immigration, religion and identity have been extremely political and divisive in the United States. While demographic change is a growing reality in states like Texas, the language used to describe it continues to shape public reaction and political fallout.