Talarico’s Claim That Shocks
Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico said on a recent podcast that the undocumented students he taught in San Antonio were “my most patriotic students.” He explained that they understood America as the land of opportunity and believed in the country even when they felt it did not believe in them. It is a bold claim to say noncitizens show more patriotism than citizens, veterans, and legal immigrants who have followed the law and served the country, and the line landed as a provocation aimed at voters who prize legal immigration and civic duty.
Swift Backlash From Conservatives
Conservative outlets and social media users pounced on the remarks, calling them an insult to American citizens and those who follow the rules. Critics argue that praising people who entered or stayed in the country illegally while framing citizens as less patriotic undermines rule of law and common-sense immigration policy. Supporters of Talarico say he was simply praising the spirit of immigrant families, but the sound bite gives opponents a clear and simple attack line ahead of a tough Texas race.
Context: The God Comments Still Follow
This is not the only controversial moment for Talarico. He has previously drawn attention for theological remarks made while in the Texas House, including saying God is beyond gender and making a provocative reference that opponents labeled “God’s sausage.” Talarico defended the comments as a defense of kids who are different and insisted he meant to be provocative against what he called extremist lawmakers. Such statements have kept the story alive and allowed critics to paint him as out of step with conservative religious voters.
President Donald Trump Responds
President Donald Trump publicly criticized Talarico’s theological remarks and attacked his competence on cable news, calling the comments an insult to Jesus and labeling the candidate “beyond woke.” Expect the Trump campaign and allied groups to use both the patriotism sound bite and the religious controversy in ads and social posts as they seek to sharpen contrasts in a competitive statewide contest in Texas.
Texas Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico says illegal aliens are more patriotic than Americans.
TALARICO: "I taught a lot of undocumented students and those students tended to be my most patriotic students." pic.twitter.com/j6Ht3vuorq
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) March 21, 2026
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