US: MAGA leader receives criticism over his racist remark on Lord Hanuman statue in Texas | India News

US: A Texas Republican leader has sparked row and criticism over his remarks on statue of Lord Hanuman, known as the ‘Statue of Union’ in the Texas city, US. The statue is reportedly 90 feet tall at the Shri Ashtalakshmi Temple in Sugar Land, Texas. Republican leader, Carlos Turcios from Dallas-Forth Worth area shared a video of the statue of Lord Hanuman on X, claiming ‘aliens from the third world’ are taking Texas and America, urging people to ‘stop the invasion’.

In a post on

SUGAR LAND, TEXAS This is not Islamabad, Pakistan, or New Delhi, India. This is Sugar Land, Texas. Third World Aliens are slowly taking over Texas and America. Why is this the third-largest statue in the US??!

Stop the INVASION!

Follow:@Carlos__Turcios pic.twitter.com/hzNIunlyQ4Carlos Turcios (@Carlos__Turcios) February 16, 2026

About The Statue of Union

Inaugurated in 2024, the statue known as the Panchaloha Abhaya Hanuman, is one of the tallest Hindu monuments in the United States. The third largest statue is described as a symbol of strength, devotion and a ‘spiritual epicentre’ for peace. It was envisioned by Sri Chinnajeeyar Swamiji.

Fury over Turcio’s remark

Turcios’ remarks quickly drew sharp criticism across social media platforms, where numerous users accused him of encouraging xenophobic sentiments through his statement. Many commenters pushed back strongly, highlighting the significant and longstanding contributions made by immigrant communities and diverse faith groups to American society.

They argued that such rhetoric overlooks the cultural, economic, and social impact these communities continue to have across the nation.

A user on

To ‘Carlos Turcios’,

See this chart of languages ​​spoken in America. The size of each circle indicates how many people are in each (as does the number in the label).

There are 41M households that speak Spanish in the US. Yet there are no Indian languages ​​in the top 10.… pic.twitter.com/PyhT76cWKxKartik Gada (@KartikGadaATOM) February 16, 2026

Further on, he mentioned, “When an Indian language has more speakers in the US than Spanish speakers, then we will evaluate whether you have earned the right to call yourself assimilated. In the meanwhile, I advise you to be more humble and to learn more about America”.

In another post, the same user, by criticizing Carlos Turcios, wrote, “I am not a fan of statues like this, but it is a bit much for ‘Carlos Turcios’ to call ethnic groups much more successful and educated than his ‘third world’. That reeks of insecurity and is actually projection.”

‘Third world’? By someone named ‘Carlos Turcios’?

I am not a fan of statues like this, but it is a bit much for ‘Carlos Turcios’ to call ethnic groups much more successful and educated than his ‘third world’. That reeks of insecurity, and is actually projection.

Carlos should… pic.twitter.com/hp2E5Q2iVTKartik Gada (@KartikGadaATOM) February 16, 2026

“Carlos should get someone educated to explain the pretty colors below to him,” said another user.

Meanwhile, another user wrote,”This is AMERICA, land of freedom & diversity, you bigot! The majestic 90-ft Statue of Union—Lord Hanuman, symbol of strength, devotion & selfless service—is proudly the 3rd tallest in the US. Built by hardworking Indian-Americans who contribute massively. YOUR ‘invasion’ fear is just racist trash. Jai Shri Ram! Deal with it or leave!”