More reason to deport every Indian: Florida Republican leader's controversial comment on Texas loss

More reason to deport every Indian: Florida Republican leader's controversial comment

As Indian-Americans claimed that Republicans lost the Texas Senate District 9 election due to rising anti-Indian sentiments, Florida Republican leader Chandler Langevin suggested deporting all Indians in Texas. 'If Republicans lost a special election because of an Indian voting bloc, then they have all the more reason to deport every Indian in Texas,' Langevin said.

North Texas has seen increased India-hatred from politicians, influencers, and social media commentators. Influencers claimed Texas has become culturally overwhelmed by Indian influence, while some suggested that Texas jobs are being taken by Indians, prompting Governor Greg Abbott to freeze H-1B hiring in state agencies and universities. Texas AG Ken Paxton investigated three Indian firms hiring H-1B employees, exposing a gold scam involving many Indians and jewelry stores.

The loss in the local election led MAGA supporters to mistakenly believe that Democrat Taylor Rehmet won because of an Indian voting bloc, despite records showing that Indian-American voters were not a significant factor. Many MAGA commentators blamed Indian-American voters for the loss, although their numbers would not have caused the swing.

President Donald Trump distanced himself from the defeat, though he endorsed Republican candidate Leigh Wambsganss. 'I’m not involved in that. That’s a local Texas race,' Trump said after the stunning loss. Rehmet said Trump was a non-factor in the local poll and he was focused on the community.

Hindu American Foundation executive director Suhag Shukla criticized Republicans' tactics, saying they did not win with ICE agents shooting people in the streets, racist attacks on Indian-Americans, or politicians calling for shutting down Hindu temples. The Indian-American Advocacy Council responded to Langevin's comment, stating that Republicans lost because of millions of decent Americans who oppose racism and xenophobia, not because of an 'Indian voting bloc.' They emphasized that Indian-Americans are part of the larger American community and that their contributions are valued.