Texas: Dem congressional candidate faces backlash after vowing to imprison ‘American Zionists’ in ICE facility, accusing them of pedophilia

OAN Staff Brooke Mallory
1:18 PM – Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Texas Democrat congressional candidate Maureen Galindo is facing intense national and local backlash from within her own party after pledging to transform a federal immigration detention facility into an internment camp for “American Zionists.”

Galindo (D-Texas), a far-left “housing activist” running in the upcoming May 26^th runoff election for Texas’ redrawn 35^th Congressional District, prompted widespread condemnation following a weekend Instagram post detailing her legislative intentions if elected.

In the social media post, which she wrote in the third person, Galindo vowed to write legislation to convert the Karnes County Immigration and Customs Enforcement Detention Center, located south of San Antonio, into a prison targeting American Zionists and former ICE officers.

She further escalated the rhetoric by claiming the facility would serve as a medical processing center for individuals she accused of pedophilia, explicitly linking those allegations to the Zionist community.

The comments have since ignited a firestorm across the political spectrum, drawing swift and severe rebukes from Democrat leaders who have labeled her remarks dangerous and overtly antisemitic.

Democrats like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) quickly criticized Galindo, urging voters in the San Antonio-area district to reject her candidacy.

“House Republican leadership must immediately cease propping up this antisemitic candidacy, pull spending in the race and forcefully condemn these comments,” Jeffries and Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee chair Rep. Suzan DelBene said in a statement. “This vile language by her is disqualifying and has no place in American politics, and certainly not in the Democratic Party.”

Texas state representative and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico (D-Texas) also released a statement affirming there is no place for such rhetoric in the party, confirming he would refuse to campaign alongside Galindo should she secure the nomination.

“This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Talarico said in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, adding that he would not campaign with her if she were to win in the runoff. “We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate wherever it rears its ugly head.”

Meanwhile, the uproar has fractured Galindo’s local support network, prompting former political allies to distance themselves ahead of next week’s crucial vote. Former primary opponent John Lira officially rescinded his previous endorsement of her campaign, citing deep concerns over what he described as a pattern of derogatory, inflammatory, and conspiratorial statements directed toward Jewish people and other groups.

Local advocacy organizations, including the San Antonio Jewish Federation, have also issued strong statements slamming Galindo for introducing harmful antisemitic tropes and baseless conspiracy theories into the public discourse.

Despite the ongoing criticism, Galindo has remained defiant, doubling down on her positions during local media appearances and subsequent social media updates. In an interview with Texas Public Radio and comments made to the San Antonio Current, Galindo rejected accusations of antisemitism, arguing that her grievances are directed strictly at Zionists rather than the Jewish community as a whole.

When questioned about the widespread condemnation from her party’s establishment, Galindo stated she was indifferent to the opinions of what she described as institutional politicians, asserting that the backlash would ultimately backfire on her critics.

The sudden national spotlight on the Texas runoff has raised questions among party strategists regarding the financial dynamics of the race. Several notable Democrats, including Ocasio-Cortez, have publicly questioned the source of Galindo’s campaign momentum, alleging potential interference from political opponents.

Party leaders have also pointed toward a mysterious, six-figure outside advertising campaign that has recently boosted Galindo’s visibility in the district, suggesting that outside groups may be intentionally funding her controversial platform to “fracture the Democrat base” or damage the party’s image heading into the general midterms.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

Sponsored Content Below

Share this post!