SIX Indian American members of Congress on Wednesday (15) condemned the tearing of an Indian flag during an immigration-related protest outside Frisco City Hall in Texas earlier this month, saying the incident reflected anti-India rhetoric and reaffirming their support for the Indian American community.
Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, and Suhas Subramanyam issued a joint statement after a demonstrator tore the Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall during a protest that included anti-India chants and rhetoric. The incident drew attention on social media and prompted reactions from members of the Indian American community across the US.
The lawmakers said they support the constitutional right to freedom of expression but condemned the actions that took place during the protest.
“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 Indian American community should be able to live without fear of harassment or discrimination.
“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.”
They also expressed support for Indian Americans in Texas and across the country.
“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.”
The six lawmakers currently make up the largest group of Indian American members serving at the same time in the US House of Representatives. They have regularly spoken on issues affecting immigrant communities, civil rights, and the Indian American community in the United States.
The incident in Frisco also prompted a separate statement from Representative Shri Thanedar, who said the video of the protest showed a man tearing the Indian flag while people in the crowd shouted anti-India slogans.
Thanedar said the incident was part of a wider pattern of anti-Indian attacks. “This is a disgusting act of hate. Anti-Indian attacks have spiked on the ground and on social media in the last couple of years, and if you don’t believe me, look at my social media or that of any other Indian elected official. Racism has no place in our country: these horrific actions need to stop.”
Thanedar also reflected on his own experience after moving to the US.
“I came to America in search of the American Dream. I was lucky enough to get an education, build businesses, create thousands of good jobs, and now serve my community in Congress.”
He said immigrants have made important contributions to the country and expressed pride in the Indian American community.
“Immigrants make our country stronger. Indian Americans, and the incredible talent they bring to every field, have a special place in the American story. I am proud to be an Indian American, and I will always stand against hate and racism in every form.”
Indian Americans now number more than five million people in the US and have increased their representation in Congress, state legislatures, local government, and leadership positions across business and technology.
Frisco, located north of Dallas, has seen rapid population growth over the past two decades and is home to a large Indian American community.
The city has become a center for professionals working in technology, health care, finance, and other sectors, reflecting the continued growth of the Indian diaspora across Texas and the United States.
