Maureen Galindo Promises Karnes Center Plan, Draws Runoff Blowback
maureen galindo said over the weekend that she would turn the Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for “American Zionists” and former ICE officers for human trafficking, then added that it would become “a castration processing center for pedophiles.” The Democrat is heading into the May 26 runoff in Texas’ newly redrawn 35th Congressional District while other Democrats pull away from her campaign.
Karnes ICE Detention Center
Galindo wrote on Instagram, “She’ll turn Karnes ICE Detention Center into a prison for American Zionists and former ICE officers for human trafficking.” She also wrote, “It will also be a castration processing center for pedophiles, which will probably be most of the Zionists.”
The comments kept building on a line she had already drawn last week, when she told the Current, “I think it’s actually the zionists who are putting Jewish people at the most risk.” In that same period, she told the publication she only has an issue with zionists, not Jews in general.
James Talarico
The reaction inside her own party has been narrowing her path. John Lira rescinded his endorsement of Galindo last week, and State Rep. James Talarico said Friday that he would not campaign alongside her even if she wins her runoff.
Talarico told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, “This antisemitic rhetoric has no place in our politics.” He added, “We need leadership in both parties willing to stand up and call out hate where it rears its ugly head.”
Texas 35th District
Galindo has also accused runoff opponent Johnny Garcia of participating in a human trafficking conspiracy orchestrated by billionaire zionist Jews and pledged in a Texas Public Radio interview to put him on trial for treason. She has continued to promote the narrative that a cabal of Jewish zionists controls Hollywood, the media and even local politicians.
Early voting runs now through Friday, May 22, and polls reopen on election day, Tuesday, May 26. For voters in the district, the runoff now carries the campaign’s central question: whether Galindo’s comments will continue to reshape support before ballots are cast.
