Washington, D.C. | October 19, 2025 — US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi strongly condemned the inflammatory remarks made by Chandler Langevin, a city council member from Palm Bay, Florida, who called for the mass removal of Indian immigrants from the United States. Krishnamoorthi described Langevin’s statements as “unacceptable and dangerous,” likening them to the controversial mass immigration raids conducted during Donald Trump’s administration, which targeted vulnerable immigrant communities across the country.
Krishnamoorthi’s Strong Response
Speaking on Saturday, Krishnamoorthi said:
“It’s unacceptable—and dangerous—that in 2025 we’re hearing elected officials call for the mass removal of Indian Americans. This rhetoric echoes the cruelty of Donald Trump’s mass ICE raids and fuels a climate of fear that harms families across our nation.”
The Congressman warned that normalizing hate speech and scapegoating communities undermines democratic values:
“When hate speech is normalised and communities are scapegoated, our democracy is weakened,” he added.
Krishnamoorthi called on leaders at all levels of government to take a firm stance against discrimination and protect the rights of every American, irrespective of race, accent, or country of origin.
“We must stand together across every community against all forms of hate. Protecting our democracy means ensuring everyone can live free from fear and discrimination, no matter their skin colour, accent, or country of origin,” he stated.
Langevin’s Controversial Remarks
The remarks by Chandler Langevin, elected to the Palm Bay city council last year, have sparked outrage among civil rights groups and the Indian American community. On his birthday, October 2, Langevin posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Today is my birthday, and all I want is for @realDonaldTrump to revoke every Indian visa and deport them immediately. America for Americans.”
Langevin’s posts did not stop there. He repeatedly targeted the Indian diaspora, claiming that they were exploiting the United States for financial gain while benefiting India. In one post, he wrote:
“There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians.”
These statements come amid heightened scrutiny of immigrant communities in the US, reflecting ongoing tensions fueled by restrictive immigration policies implemented during the Trump administration. Critics argue that Langevin’s rhetoric exacerbates fear and insecurity among Indian Americans and other immigrant groups.
Community and Civil Rights Reactions
Civil rights advocates and organizations representing the Indian American community quickly condemned Langevin’s statements. Many emphasized that the call for mass deportation was not only discriminatory but also dangerous, potentially inciting xenophobia and violence.
Indian American community leaders highlighted that such rhetoric undermines the contributions of immigrants to the US economy, society, and culture. According to them, Indian Americans are integral to sectors ranging from technology and healthcare to education and entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to both local and national development.
Political Context
Krishnamoorthi’s remarks underscore a broader concern about rising anti-immigrant sentiment in American politics. He linked Langevin’s comments to the Trump-era immigration raids, which targeted undocumented immigrants but also created a chilling effect for legal immigrants, fostering fear of deportation and community instability.
“This rhetoric echoes the cruelty of Donald Trump’s mass ICE raids and fuels a climate of fear that harms families across our nation,” Krishnamoorthi said, highlighting the potential human cost of inflammatory statements from public officials.
His condemnation also serves as a reminder of the responsibility of elected leaders to uphold the principles of equality and justice, ensuring that no community faces systemic discrimination or persecution.
Call for Action
Krishnamoorthi urged lawmakers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to take concrete steps to counter hate speech and protect immigrant communities:
“We must stand together across every community against all forms of hate,” he said.
He emphasized that defending the rights of immigrants and minority communities is not only a moral obligation but also a democratic imperative. Protecting these rights ensures that the United States remains a nation where all individuals, regardless of origin, can live and work free from fear.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Chandler Langevin’s call for the deportation of Indian immigrants has reignited concerns about the rhetoric of elected officials and its impact on vulnerable communities. With Congressman Krishnamoorthi and civil rights groups voicing strong opposition, the issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants in the United States, even those with legal status.
Krishnamoorthi’s condemnation signals a call to action for leaders across the political spectrum to reject discriminatory rhetoric, uphold democratic principles, and protect the rights and dignity of all Americans, regardless of their ethnicity or country of origin.
Leave a Reply