Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) drew sharp attention after posting on social media, “The Muslims have to go,” responding to a message criticizing the New York Police Department’s participation in a World Hijab Day event. The comment marked the latest escalation in a broader political clash surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, immigration policy and the role of religion in public life.
The muslims have to go. https://t.co/i99EP0aqyu
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) February 11, 2026
Ogles’ remark came in response to a post that accused the NYPD of promoting Islam through its involvement in the “4th Annual World Hijab Day” at the MUNA Islamic Center. The post described police leadership and officers learning how to wear hijabs, participating in Quranic recitations and attending student presentations, and questioned why similar events highlighting Christian or Jewish symbols were not held with comparable visibility. It also alleged that public resources were used to support the event and characterized the outreach as preferential treatment toward one faith.
By replying, “The Muslims have to go,” Ogles amplified the criticism in sweeping terms, drawing immediate scrutiny given the broad reference to a religious group. The statement did not distinguish between individuals, institutions or policies, and came without further clarification in the post itself.
The Tennessee Republican’s comment follows earlier remarks targeting Mayor Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York City and the youngest to hold the office in more than a century. In a prior post, Ogles wrote: “This man came to America for one reason: to turn America into an Islamic theocracy. I say NO to Sharia law—which is why I’ve presented an argument to have Mamdani sent back to Uganda based on information he clearly withheld. I’m fighting to take our country back. DOJ must investigate.”
This man came to America for one reason: to turn America into an Islamic theocracy.
— Rep. Andy Ogles (@RepOgles) October 27, 2025
I say NO to Sharia law—which is why I’ve presented an argument to have Mamdani sent back to Uganda based on information he clearly withheld.
I’m fighting to take our country back. DOJ must… pic.twitter.com/Mjybj6yQsz
Ogles’ comments align with statements from Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.), who recently called for Mamdani to be “denaturalized and deported as soon as possible,” asserting that the mayor has “NO RESPECT for America or our Constitutional values.”
It’s clear that Mamdani has NO RESPECT for America or our Constitutional values.
— Congressman Randy Fine (@RepFine) February 6, 2026
We need to denaturalize and deport HIM as soon as possible.
The criticism intensified after Mamdani spoke earlier this week at New York City’s annual interfaith breakfast. In prepared remarks released by City Hall, Mamdani urged Americans to draw moral lessons from Islamic teachings in discussions about immigration. “Islam is a religion built upon a narrative of migration,” Mamdani said, referencing the Prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Medina as an example of welcoming strangers. He added that religious traditions share a responsibility to “stand alongside the stranger” and said Americans should “look to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad” for guidance in contemporary migration debates.
NEW: NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani suggests America should take notes from the “Prophet” Muhammad when it comes to migration.
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 6, 2026
“I consider my own faith, Islam, a religion built upon a narrative of migration.”
“The story of the Hijrah reminds us that Prophet Muhammad, was a stranger… pic.twitter.com/znH0dvOSE6
At the same event, Mamdani signed an executive order reinforcing New York City’s sanctuary city policies. According to the mayor’s office, the order directs city agencies to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant, bars federal immigration officers from entering certain city facilities without a warrant and expands privacy protections for residents. The administration also announced plans to distribute multilingual materials outlining individuals’ rights during encounters with immigration authorities.
Debate has also been fueled by the resurfacing of a 2013 interview with filmmaker Mamdani’s mother. In that interview, Nair described her son as deeply connected to his family’s cultural roots, stating that he was “not an American at all” and adding, “we are not firangs at all. He is very much us.” The comments have circulated widely in recent days as national attention has focused on Mamdani’s leadership and background.
The exchange underscores how questions of immigration, religious identity and constitutional values have become flashpoints in national politics. As Mamdani advances policies tied to immigrant protections and interfaith engagement, Republican lawmakers including Ogles and Fine have intensified their rhetoric, framing the debate as one about national identity and governance.
