Rising Texas Republican Bo French called for the denaturalization and deportation of two sitting Democratic members of Congress on Tuesday, writing on social media, “These two should be the first subtards we denaturalize and deport.” The remark came in response to a photo showing Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) shouting during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address.
These two should be the first subtards we denaturalize and deport. https://t.co/UdlWpcCaan
— Bo French (@BoFrenchTX) February 25, 2026
The incident unfolded as Trump delivered his first State of the Union of his second term, pressing Democrats in the chamber to affirm his statement that “the first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.” Republicans stood and cheered in support, while Democrats remained seated, prompting Trump to call out their inaction directly with repeated admonishments, including “You should be ashamed of yourself” and “Isn’t that a shame? You should be ashamed of yourself not standing up.”
President Trump asked Congress: “Stand if you agree: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”
— America (@america) February 25, 2026
Democrats did not stand.
This tells you everything you need to know.
pic.twitter.com/4xr9xC8QAI
Omar, whose Minnesota district includes a sizable Somali American community, responded sharply from her seat, shouting, “You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed!” Tlaib voiced similar objections, underscoring a broader Democratic protest over the administration’s immigration policies. The exchange came as Trump emphasized ending sanctuary cities and enforcing deportations of individuals accused of serious crimes, while promoting the Save America Act, a measure requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship. The outburst briefly dominated attention in the chamber, drawing Republican chants of “USA” and prompting both Omar and Tlaib to leave the floor early.
Trump: You should be ashamed of yourself!
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 25, 2026
Ilhan Omar: You have killed Americans! You should be ashamed!pic.twitter.com/dkiUM2lPzg
Bo French’s post frames the lawmakers’ protest in serious terms consistent with his longstanding positions on immigration. French, a candidate for the Texas Railroad Commission, has repeatedly advocated for aggressive immigration enforcement, including a call for the mass deportation of 100 million people from the United States. In previous posts, he broke down that figure as encompassing 50 million undocumented immigrants, 55 million legal visa holders, and 50 million U.S.-born children of non-citizens, asserting that all “must go.”
50 million illegals. 55 million visa holders. 50 million anchor babies. That is the real number, but I'll take 100 million. Appreciate the work you are doing.
— Bo French (@BoFrenchTX) February 24, 2026
French, who served as chairman of the Tarrant County Republican Party from 2023 until his resignation in November 2025 to pursue statewide office, has positioned himself as a vocal critic of post-1965 immigration policies. He has cited the period from 1925 to 1965 as a time when the country was “most amazing, safe, and prosperous” with “almost zero immigration,” attributing the era’s conditions to restrictive laws such as the Immigration Act of 1924 and limited arrivals during the Great Depression. French has repeatedly framed his immigration positions in terms of national identity, public resources, and constitutional obligations to protect “our posterity.”
The Texas Railroad Commission seat French seeks will be decided in the March 3, 2026, Republican primary, where he faces incumbent Chair Jim Wright and challengers including Katherine Culbert, Hawk Dunlap, and James Matlock. Despite its name, the commission oversees oil and gas regulation, pipeline safety, and aspects of energy production, giving its chair significant influence over the state’s economy.
French’s statement targeting Omar and Tlaib comes amid heated national debates over immigration enforcement, border security, and the legal and social status of both undocumented and legally admitted immigrants. His comments, both past and present, exemplify a segment of Republican discourse that favors mass deportations and strict immigration restrictions, highlighting ongoing divisions within the party as the 2026 election cycle progresses.
