Growing Islamic Presence in DFW Schools and Communities under attack by Rep politician
Texas Congressman Brandon Gill wants to act against rise in mosques and Islamic activities
Community response to Rep. Brandon Gill’s claim that Islamic migration is “transforming” DFW has been sharply divided.
There has been strong criticism from civil‑rights advocates and Muslim community leaders, and vocal support from some anti‑immigration and conservative groups.
“We have a huge problem in Texas, particularly in the Dallas area, with mass Islamic migration,” Gill told The Dallas Express. “It is transforming local communities.”
Gill argued that “mass Islamic migration” is fundamentally transforming Dallas–Fort Worth and tied this to his proposed 25‑year moratorium on Somali immigration, according to the newspaper.
Gill announced plans to introduce a bill on February 4 to pause Somali immigration to America for 25 years. He cited concerns about fraud, abuse of the welfare system, and a lack of assimilation.
In a recent interview, Gill, a U.S. Representative for Texas, expressed concerns about the increasing visibility of Islamic practices and institutions in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area.
He specifically mentioned the appearance of mosques and Islamic activities in local public schools, which he described as a sign of broader demographic and cultural changes in the region,
Gill also linked this proposal to the increasing influence of Islam in Texas.
“Somalia is a predominantly Muslim country. This does, I think, speak to that concern,” Gill said. “The people of Texas are concerned – they’re concerned that their communities are being fundamentally transformed by mass migration.”
Gill said most Americans and most Texans don’t want to be woken up at 6 a.m. hearing a Muslim call to prayer. I certainly don’t,” Gill said to The Dallas Express. “They don’t want Sharia law in their communities, in their state, in this country, in any way whatsoever.”
An Islamic group called “Why Islam” reportedly visited Wylie East High School on February 2, handing hijabs to female students and distributing pamphlets on “Shariah,” according to Texas Scorecard.
Wylie ISD stated that the visit was not approved, according to a circulated screenshot of the school’s response.
But there has been strong concern and rejection from Muslim communities & civil rights organizations in DFW, arguing it fuels Islamophobia and misrepresents peaceful, long-established Muslim communities in North Texas.
The framing of Gill’s comments—linking mosques, schools, and cultural practices to security threats—has historically triggered strong pushback from groups in similar Texas debates.
“You see it popping up in local schools, including public schools,” Gill told DX. “You see mosques popping up all over the DFW area.”
Supporters echo Gill’s concerns about assimilation, cultural change, and security rise with online commentary and conservative media amplifying his claims, often referencing European migration debates.
A related viral speech by Gill linking immigration to “radical Islam” sparked fierce online debate, with supporters praising him for “telling the truth” about perceived risks.
Some residents have expressed fear or suspicion, while others have criticised these reactions as misinformation-driven. The article notes that the EPIC City/Meadows development drew public backlash over fears it might “enforce Sharia law,” despite no evidence of such intent.
Gov. Greg Abbott previously signed a law banning “Sharia communities,” aligning with Gill’s concerns. The Attorney General Ken Paxton has investigated Islamic developments, reinforcing the narrative Gill promotes.
Democratic lawmakers and some moderate Republicans have historically criticized similar rhetoric as inflammatory and harmful to religious freedom, though the article does not quote them directly.
Gill referenced an Islamic outreach group visiting a high school. Wylie ISD stated the visit was not approved, distancing the district from the incident.
Community reactions here were also mixed—some saw it as harmless cultural education, while others saw it as inappropriate religious outreach.
Gill’s comments have intensified an already heated debate in Texas around immigration, religion, and cultural change. Supporters view his stance as necessary protection of American and Texan identity.
But opponents see it as fear-mongering that unfairly targets Muslim communities and undermines religious freedom.
The East Plano Islamic Center has been planning a massive residential and religious development in rural Collin County, previously called EPIC City, now renamed The Meadows, as The Dallas Express reported. The community sparked public backlash over concerns it might enforce Islamic Sharia law.
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law in 2025 banning Sharia communities, and Attorney General Ken Paxton has been investigating the planned compound.
Gill told DX he thinks Texans are “rightfully concerned” about what he called “the growing prevalence of Islamic terrorism in the United States.”