Texas Lawmaker Faces Backlash Over Islamization Remarks

Controversial comments about Dallas feeling "like Pakistan" spark outrage.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A Texas state lawmaker is facing intense criticism after making controversial remarks about the city of Dallas, suggesting it feels more like Pakistan than a typical American city. The comments have sparked a heated debate over religious and cultural diversity in the state.

Why it matters

The lawmaker's remarks touch on sensitive issues of religious and cultural pluralism, raising concerns about intolerance and discrimination. As a major metropolitan area, Dallas is known for its diversity, and the comments have been seen by many as insensitive and divisive.

The details

In a recent interview, State Representative Mark Samford claimed that parts of Dallas "feel more like Islamabad than Dallas" due to the city's growing Muslim population. Samford went on to suggest that the "Islamization" of the city was a threat to its traditional American character.

  • The controversial remarks were made in an interview on February 5, 2026.

The players

Mark Samford

A Texas state lawmaker who made the controversial remarks about Dallas feeling "like Pakistan" due to the city's growing Muslim population.

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What they’re saying

“We must not allow our great cities to be overrun by foreign influences that seek to undermine our way of life.”

— Mark Samford, Texas State Representative (Dallas Morning News)

What’s next

Samford's comments have sparked widespread condemnation, and there are calls for him to issue a formal apology. The Dallas City Council is also expected to pass a resolution reaffirming the city's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions around issues of immigration, religious diversity, and cultural change in Texas and across the United States. It underscores the need for greater understanding, dialogue, and respect for the diverse communities that make up the fabric of American society.