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House Democrats have publicly distanced themselves from Texas congresswoman Maureen Galindo over her recent comments that ICE detention centers should be turned into prisons for “American Zionists.”
“Maureen Galindo is a moral disgrace and has no business running, let alone holding, elected office,” Rep. Ritchie Torres, DN.Y., told Fox News Digital. So he has to withdraw from the race because of the scandal.
“That kind of rhetoric has no place in our politics and we should not accept that kind of antisemitism here in the House of Representatives,” said Rep. John Olszewski, D-Md.,. “There is no world in which I can support such a candidate.“
“He must be crazy – there’s something wrong with him,” Rep. Tom Suozzi, DN.Y. said. “That’s depression.”
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Rep. Tom Suozzi speaks at a press conference with members of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus in Washington, DC, on Feb. 24, 2025, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu)
The backlash comes after Galindo posted on social media promising to turn ICE detention facilities into “a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officials,” which led to anti-Semitic accusations from both groups. In the same post on Instagram, he also said that the prison will be used as a castration center for child abusers, “most of whom may be Zionists.”
Some House Democrats told Fox News Digital that this was the first time they had heard of Galindo’s controversy, or declined to comment on the matter.
“I’m sorry, I’m late to the committee,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass.,
“This is the first I’ve heard of it, but I think anyone who says that is a problem,” said Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif.,.
“I don’t know about Texas,” said Rep. James Clyburn, DC.
Top Democrats also blamed Republicans for helping to boost Galindo’s seat in Texas’ 35th DRM District. The seat is currently held by the Democratic Alliance, with Republicans hoping to take the seat in mid-November.
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Republicans for redistricting Texas and predicted the GOP would struggle to pick up seats before 2026. (FOX News)
The effort to impeach Republicans comes after allegations spread that super PAC “Lead Left,” which has spent nearly $900,000 promoting Galindo, has ties to the Republican Party.
No public evidence has emerged showing Republican control of the PAC. Still, leading House Democrats were quick to call out the GOP for any potential partnership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, DN.Y., said in a joint statement that “MAGA activists should be ashamed of themselves.”
“This is disgusting, and it should be completely condemned – these comments,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., “I think one of the criticisms is that the Republicans put a million dollars behind him. Why do the Republicans want him to win?”
Galindo also said in this position that when he is elected to Congress, he will work to pass a law that all Zionism and support for Zionism will be considered antisemitic. He himself has denied allegations that he is anti-Semitic, but says he is against “Zionist Jews.”
“I think it’s very clear that we all have to take action against antisemitism,” said Rep. Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., when asked about Galindo’s comments.
Since the fire from the post, Galindo has posted a video on Facebook addressing the alleged anti-Semitism, saying that he has never called for Jewish people to be arrested but wants to “put the billionaire American Zionists who fund prison programs that kill people involved in prison smuggling into prison.”
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Maureen Galindo speaks at a meeting of the League of Women Voters in Texas. (Katina Zentz/Getty Images)
“I am against all prison camps and I would like to see them closed ASAP, starting with the many in South Texas,” Galindo said, referring to ICE detention facilities.
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Galindo will go head-to-head with councilman Johnny Garcia on Tuesday in the Texas Democratic primary.
“He will not succeed here,” said Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Texas, when asked if he would pursue a move to expel him from Congress if elected. “I am sure that the people of this district, most of which I have represented for ten years, will stand with Johnny.
