Texas Democratic Congressional Candidate Calls for 'Prison for American Zionists' at ICE Facility
Galindo has pushed conspiracy theories involving "billionaire Zionist Jews," human trafficking networks, and claims tying her runoff opponent to them. She's described as a therapist/housing activist with a pattern of inflammatory rhetoric
A Democratic candidate in Texas's 35th Congressional District is facing widespread bipartisan condemnation after proposing to convert a federal ICE detention center into an internment camp for "American Zionists" and former ICE officers.
Maureen Galindo, who advanced to the May 26 Democratic primary runoff after leading the March primary with about 29% of the vote, made the remarks in a recent Instagram post. She stated she would turn the Karnes ICE Detention Center into "a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking," adding it would include a "castration processing center for pedophiles which will probably be most of the Zionists."
Galindo, a housing activist and therapist, has repeatedly promoted conspiracy theories involving "billionaire Zionist Jews," human trafficking networks, and claims that her runoff opponent, Bexar County Sheriff’s Deputy Johnny Garcia, is tied to such networks.
The comments have drawn sharp rebukes from Democrats and Jewish organizations. Prominent Texas Democrat and U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico said there is "no place for antisemitic rhetoric" and confirmed his campaign will not support her.
Other Democrats, including Rep. Jared Moskowitz, have condemned the statements as targeting American Jews. National figures like Ritchie Torres and Ruben Gallego have also pushed back, with some reports indicating party leaders are now coalescing behind Garcia.
Republican leaders, including Rep. Elise Stefanik, have demanded stronger denunciations from Democrats. Actress and conservative commentator Patricia Heaton highlighted the story on X, writing: "This Democrat just won her primary and she wants to put Zionists in internment camps???"
The Race
Texas-35 is a newly redrawn district in the San Antonio area that Republicans designed to be more competitive. Galindo, who ran a low-budget campaign, faces Garcia in the runoff on May 26, 2026. Betting markets currently heavily favor Garcia.
Galindo's campaign website emphasizes participatory democracy, civic education, and reducing corporate influence, but her public statements have shifted focus to antisemitic conspiracy themes.