Texas Republican Calls for Mass Deportation at CPAC

During the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Grapevine, Texas, former Tarrant County Chair Bo French, a candidate for Texas Railroad Commissioner, made headlines by calling for the deportation of 100 million individuals from the United States. French, who is running in the Republican primary on May 26, argued that the GOP should adopt a more aggressive stance against what he termed the "Islamification" of Texas and America. He stated, “Since 1965, we’ve allowed immigration from lots of places in the world whose culture and values do not align with America,” and emphasized the need to prioritize American interests.

Newsweek

French's comments came during a panel titled “Don’t Sharia My Texas,” where he claimed that there are “100 million foreigners” in the U.S. who should be sent home. He expressed a desire to halt the perceived threat of Sharia law, stating, “We have to send them all home.” His remarks received applause from the audience, and he later boasted on social media about being the first elected official to advocate for such mass deportations. French's rhetoric aligns with the broader anti-immigration sentiments that have been prominent within the Republican Party, particularly during the Trump administration.

Newsweek

French's stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including fellow Republicans. His extreme views on immigration and Islam have been condemned as fostering Islamophobia. In November 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott designated the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations, a move that CAIR has vehemently opposed, leading to legal action against Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Newsweek

The formation of the “Sharia Free Texas Caucus” by a group of Texas Republicans further illustrates the growing anti-Muslim sentiment within the party. CAIR has labeled this caucus an “anti-Muslim hate group,” asserting that it is based on misinformation and fear that unfairly targets Muslim Texans. The organization has called for a retraction of the statements made by the caucus members and emphasized the historical contributions of Muslims in the United States.

Newsweek

French's candidacy and his inflammatory remarks could significantly impact the political landscape in Texas, particularly as the state is home to over 300,000 Muslims. His call for mass deportation reflects a radical shift in the discourse surrounding immigration and religious identity in the Republican Party. As the primary election approaches, the reactions to French's proposals may influence voter sentiment and the broader Republican strategy regarding immigration and community relations.

Newsweek

• “We’re going to send all these people home. We’re going to stop the Islamification of Texas and America, not just by banning Sharia law, not just by banning the call to prayer. Who wants to hear that?” — Bo French, Former Tarrant County Chair

Newsweek

• “The Overton Window has officially shifted.” — Bo French, on social media

Newsweek

• “We at CAIR Texas urge the members of the Sharia Free Caucus to retract the many false statements made and to learn the history of Muslims in the United States.” — CAIR Texas Statement

Newsweek

While French claims that there are 100 million foreigners in the U.S. who should be deported, this figure is not substantiated by demographic data. The characterization of CAIR and similar organizations as terrorist entities remains contested, with CAIR actively disputing these claims through legal channels. The ongoing debates around these issues highlight significant divisions within Texas politics regarding immigration and religious freedom.

Newsweek