Washington, June 16: Six Indian-American members of the U.S. Congress have strongly condemned the tearing of an Indian national flag during an immigration-related protest outside Frisco City Hall in Texas, describing the act as hateful and expressing solidarity with the Indian-American community amid growing concerns over xenophobia and anti-India rhetoric.
Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam issued a joint statement following an incident in which a demonstrator allegedly tore the Indian flag during a protest that featured anti-India chants and rhetoric. The incident quickly gained attention on social media and triggered strong reactions from Indian-Americans across the United States.
In their statement, the lawmakers reaffirmed their support for freedom of expression while condemning acts that incite hatred or target specific communities.
“We strongly support the constitutional right to freedom of expression for all Americans. At the same time, we condemn the tearing of an Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall alongside hateful anti-India rhetoric, which continues to fuel anti-Indian violence and xenophobia. Acts of hate and intimidation targeting any community are unacceptable and have no place in our country,” the lawmakers said.
The legislators noted that the incident had gone beyond political expression and had raised serious concerns among Indian-Americans regarding their safety and acceptance in the United States.
“The Indian-American community is an important part of our nation and deserves to feel safe and respected. As Indian Americans and South Asian Americans face harassment, xenophobia and hateful rhetoric, leaders must speak clearly: hate targeting any community cannot be tolerated or ignored,” the statement added.
The six lawmakers also reiterated their support for Indian-Americans living in Texas and across the country, emphasizing the importance of ensuring dignity, security and equal treatment for all communities.
“We stand in solidarity with the Indian-American community in Frisco and across the country. Everyone deserves to live with dignity and safety, free from fear, harassment and discrimination,” they said.
The group represents the largest-ever contingent of Indian-American lawmakers serving simultaneously in the U.S. House of Representatives. Over the years, they have been vocal on issues concerning immigrant communities, civil rights and diversity.
Indian-Americans, numbering more than five million, are among the fastest-growing and most influential ethnic communities in the United States. Their increasing presence in politics, business, technology and public service has significantly strengthened their role in shaping American society.
Frisco, a rapidly growing city north of Dallas, is home to a large Indian-American population and has emerged as a major hub for professionals in technology, healthcare, finance and other sectors, reflecting the broader growth of the Indian diaspora across Texas and the United States.
