Texas lawmaker Brandon Gill has triggered a sharp online debate after posting a video of his congressional speech on immigration and Islam. In the clip, Gill argues that what he calls “radical Islam” has been imported into the United States through recent immigration policies and poses a threat to American values. He draws a comparison with Europe, warning that similar policies there have led to security, social, and cultural problems. The post quickly went viral, attracting millions of views and tens of thousands of likes, while prompting both strong support and intense criticism.

Brandon Gill’s viral remarks

Gill’s comments were delivered on the House floor and later shared on X. In the video, he claims Islam did not arrive in America with the country’s founding and links contemporary immigration to the spread of extremist ideology. He frames the issue as one of national security and constitutional order, arguing that the US should learn from Europe’s experience.The lawmaker did not cite specific European countries or policies in the speech, but his language echoes arguments frequently used by critics of large-scale debate over migration in Europe over the past decade.

Supporters of Gill’s position typically point to a mix of security and social challenges in Europe. These include jihadist attacks in cities such as Paris, Brussels, Manchester, and London since 2014, some involving European-born citizens influenced by extremist groups such as ISIS. European authorities have also raised concerns about radicalisation in prisons, failures of integration in some urban areas, and the emergence of segregated communities often described as “parallel societies”.Gill’s warning also aligns with debates in countries like France, Germany, and Sweden, where governments have struggled to balance religious freedom with secular law amid concerns about extremist preaching, antisemitic violence, and public order. Critics of European migration policy argue these pressures have contributed to public backlash and the rise of right-wing parties across the continent.

Viral reaction online

Supportive replies praised him for what they described as bluntness on immigration and national security. Some supporters argued that Europe’s experience shows the risks of failing to confront extremism early and called for tighter US immigration controls.One widely shared supportive response accused US leaders of ignoring threats posed by extremist movements and argued that European governments were now paying the price. Other approving comments echoed Gill’s claim that radical Islamist ideology is incompatible with Western constitutional systems.At the same time, many users challenged Gill’s framing. Critics argued that his remarks conflated Islam as a religion with extremist movements and overlooked the long history of Muslims in America, including enslaved Africans brought to North America in the 18th century.

The Sharia Free America Caucus

Gill has also promoted his involvement in the Sharia Free America Caucus, launched in January 2026 by Keith Self and Chip Roy. The caucus says it aims to prevent any incorporation of Sharia law into US governance.According to its organisers, the group expanded quickly in its first weeks, drawing members from 17 states. Supporters describe the caucus as a symbolic defence of constitutional law, while critics argue it targets a problem that does not exist in US courts and risks stigmatising Muslim communities.

A familiar political fault line

The reaction to Gill’s comments highlights a long-running divide in US politics over immigration, religion, and national identity. Similar arguments have surfaced repeatedly after terrorist attacks in Europe or during periods of increased migration. Gill’s supporters view Europe as a cautionary tale about the consequences of radical immigration. As the video continues to circulate, his remarks have become another flashpoint in the broader debate over how the United States balances immigration policy, national security, and religious freedom in an era of global migration.