Texas politician Bo French ignited controversy with a post responding to a video of Somali Americans in Minnesota demanding reparations over what they described as a “crisis of ICE.” French wrote, “Because 80% of those on welfare is not enough. How about get out of our country!” The comment quickly drew national attention and criticism for its confrontational tone.
Because 80% of the on welfare is not enough. How about get out of our country! https://t.co/Hc2JBhauQ6
— Bo French (@BoFrenchTX) February 20, 2026
The video that prompted French’s post featured Somali citizens calling for reparations linked to their experiences with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), highlighting ongoing concerns within immigrant communities about federal enforcement practices. French’s response framed the demand for reparations as excessive and questioned the presence of immigrants in the United States, underscoring the divisive nature of debates over welfare, immigration, and federal enforcement policies.
BREAKING: Somali community in MN is now demanding reparations over ICE trauma pic.twitter.com/DF1sQF1gNo
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) February 20, 2026
French has a long history in Texas politics, previously serving as chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party from 2023 until resigning in November 2025 to pursue statewide office. He is currently campaigning for one of three seats on the Texas Railroad Commission, the state agency responsible for regulating the oil and gas industry. His political messaging has often centered on provocative statements and cultural grievances, rather than the regulatory responsibilities of the office he seeks.
As Tarrant County GOP chairman, French made headlines for pledging to make the county “inhospitable for Democrats” and for frequently using social media to attack political opponents and minority groups. In 2025, he drew criticism from prominent Texas Republicans after posting a poll asking followers to select the “bigger threat to America”: Jews or Muslims. Since launching his Railroad Commission campaign, he has continued this pattern, framing the race as part of a larger cultural struggle to “defend Texas” and “defeat the left,” while targeting incumbent commissioner Jim Wright.
I have been saying I want to make Tarrant County inhospitable to democrats for precisely this reason. Most of them are despicable people who do not share the values of our community. My mission is to make these God hating groomers leave so we can attract conservative families.
— Bo French (@BoFrenchTX) March 21, 2025
The exchange comes amid broader national conversations about ICE, immigration enforcement, and calls for reparations from communities affected by federal policies. Advocates for Somali Americans have pointed to systemic harm experienced by immigrant families and individuals under ICE’s enforcement operations, while opponents have argued that such claims exaggerate the scope of the issue or misuse taxpayer funds. French’s response exemplifies how these debates have become increasingly polarized, particularly in states like Texas where immigration and welfare are politically charged topics.
French’s remarks are likely to remain a point of discussion as he continues his campaign for statewide office, with analysts noting that his style of provocation is central to his political strategy.
