The new caucus led by Reps. Keith Self and Chip Roy aims to confront what they call the spread of Sharia in the United States, outline legislative priorities and build a coalition to protect constitutional and Western values, while arguing for stronger screening and legal clarity around foreign influence and extremist networks.
Two Texas Republicans have announced a focused effort inside the House to push back against ideas they believe are incompatible with the Constitution and American traditions. The group is called the Sharia Free America Caucus, and its founders say the goal is to educate the public and create a legislative pathway to address perceived threats. This is being pushed as a culture defense, with a clear emphasis on preserving legal and civic norms.
Self and Roy are blunt about why they see urgency here and why they want a formal caucus to coordinate action. “Anytime you go to a fight, you bring as many friends with you as you can. I’m a military guy,” Self said, “So what we need to do is build this caucus now so that we can start educating the American people to the dangers of Sharia in the United States.” Their tone is unapologetic and aimed at rallying conservatives who worry about gradual erosion of civil institutions.
Senator Tommy Tuberville has signaled support from the Senate side, and the organizers hope that will translate into bills moving through both chambers. Among the proposals mentioned are a ban on foreign nationals who “adhere to Sharia” from entering the country and a push to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Those measures are framed as straightforward security and immigration priorities rather than ideological attacks.
Chip Roy put the stakes in plain language. “America is facing a threat that directly attacks our Constitution and our Western values: the spread of Sharia law,” Roy said in a statement. “From Texas to every state in this constitutional republic, instances of Sharia adherents masquerading as ‘refugees’ — and in many cases, sleeper cells connected to terrorist organizations — are threatening the American way of life.” His message is meant to fuse national security concerns with cultural preservation.
The caucus leaders emphasize that Sharia, broadly speaking, describes a moral and legal code followed by some Muslims, while Sharia law often refers to penal systems used in non-secular states. They argue that elements of these practices, when tied to political Islam or extremist cells, can conflict with American law. At the same time, they note that U.S. constitutional guarantees of religious freedom prevent any foreign legal code from becoming the law of the land.
Critics will call this largely symbolic, and the organizers admit symbolism matters in a cultural fight. But symbolism is practical for them because it sets policy frames, prioritizes hearings, and draws public attention. The caucus is intended to be more than a label; its founders want it to be an organizing vehicle for legislation, oversight, and public education.
They point to tensions in other Western countries as cautionary examples, arguing those situations show what can happen when immigration, integration, and law enforcement are not aligned. France and the U.K. are referenced as warning signs where social friction and security incidents have fueled political backlash. For conservatives, those international cases justify proactive measures at home to prevent similar outcomes.
On the policy front, the caucus plans to pursue tighter vetting for refugees and immigrants, clearer legal definitions about what constitutes support for foreign legal systems that threaten constitutional order, and pressure to list transnational groups with extremist ties. The hope is to use congressional tools to cut off funding and entry points for organizations deemed hostile to American values. This is pitched as commonsense prevention rather than permanent exclusion.
The push will almost certainly stir debate about civil liberties, religious freedom, and where lawful dissent ends and dangerous ideology begins. The caucus leaders argue the answer lies in distinguishing peaceful faith from political movements that undermine the rule of law. For Republicans backing this effort, the priority is protecting citizens and constitutional order while preserving the freedoms that define the country.
Darnell Thompkins is a conservative opinion writer from Atlanta, GA, known for his insightful commentary on politics, culture, and community issues. With a passion for championing traditional values and personal responsibility, Darnell brings a thoughtful Southern perspective to the national conversation. His writing aims to inspire meaningful dialogue and advocate for policies that strengthen families and empower individuals.