Indian American Lawmakers Condemn Tearing of Indian Flag in Texas

Washington — Six Indian American members of the U.S. Congress have condemned the tearing of an Indian flag during an immigration-related protest outside Frisco City Hall in Texas, saying the incident reflected rising concerns over xenophobia and anti-India rhetoric.

Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar and Suhas Subramanyam issued a joint statement after a demonstrator tore the Indian flag during a protest that included anti-India chants. The incident drew widespread attention on social media and prompted strong reactions from Indian Americans across the United States.

“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 lawmakers said the incident went beyond political expression and raised concerns among Indian Americans about safety and acceptance.

“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 said.

The members of Congress also expressed solidarity with 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,” they said.

The six lawmakers make up the largest group of Indian American members serving at the same time in the U.S. House of Representatives. They have frequently spoken on issues affecting immigrant communities, civil rights and the growing Indian American population in the United States.

Indian Americans now number more than 5 million and are among the most educated and economically successful ethnic communities in the country. The community has also expanded its political influence, with growing representation in Congress, state legislatures, local government and senior positions in business and technology.

Frisco, located north of Dallas, has grown rapidly over the past two decades and is home to a large Indian American population. The city has become a major center for professionals in technology, healthcare, finance and other sectors, reflecting the broader growth of the Indian diaspora across Texas and the United States. (Source: IANS)