City councilman criticized for anti-Indian comments

Summary:

• Indian Americans protested a Palm Bay, Florida, city councilman’s anti-India post.
• AAHOA highlighted Indian Americans’ contributions to U.S. society.
• Florida Today editor John A. Torres called for action.

INDIAN AMERICANS are protesting Palm Bay, Florida, City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s social media posts calling for the deportation of people of Indian background. AAHOA opposed his remarks, saying its members are American entrepreneurs who create jobs, support local economies and serve communities nationwide.

The current controversy is related to Langevin’s Sept. 26 on social media in which he said “Deport every Indian immediately,” according local media reports. Another post from Sept. 28 stated, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States.”

Langevin also faced controversy over previous comments he made about Islam and “left-wing evil.” The city council and Palm Bay Mayor Rob Medina heard from members of the community calling for Langevin’s removal at Thursday night’s council meeting, according to the local media.

In a post on X, Langevin said he stood by his statements and “Palm Bay will not become Dallas or Dearborn.” He then listed his accomplishments during the 10 months he had served on the council, including removing fluoride from the water and “Initiating self DOGE of the city,” referring to the Department of Government Efficiency created by President Donald Trump.

“There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States,” Langevin wrote on X. “They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.”

Indian Americans are citizens and neighbors who exemplify American values: hard work, family, entrepreneurship and community service, AAHOA said in a statement.

“From small business owners and medical professionals to veterans, engineers, teachers and community leaders, they contribute not only to the economic vitality and cultural richness of Palm Bay and Brevard County, but also to the civic fabric that strengthens communities,” the association said.

“The recent comments made by Langevin are unacceptable, divisive and have no place in Palm Bay—or anywhere in America,” AAHOA said. “Calls to 'cease Indian migration' or 'deport every Indian immediately' are factually wrong and echo language that has led to violence and persecution in history. America’s strength comes from its diverse population, and attempts to demean or exclude communities based on heritage go against the nation’s principles of freedom and equality. We stand with the community in Palm Bay and across Florida. Hate has no home here and we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring every resident feels safe, respected and valued.”

John Torres, Florida Today’s opinions and engagement editor, called for action.

“It’s time for the people of Brevard County and the state of Florida to petition Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove this malignant keyboard warrior from public office,” he wrote. “We must address the Indian question,” echoing Adolf Hitler’s phrase “the Jewish question,” which justified the “final solution”—genocide. “This isn’t the first time Langevin’s rhetoric has crossed my desk. I chose not to write the first time to avoid publicizing his comments. But no more.”

Brevard politicians also condemned Langevin’s remarks, Florida Today reported.

"Our family stands with our local Indian community," Congressman Mike Haridopolos said. "They always put family first, work hard, value education and support local charities." State lawmakers

State Reps. Brian Hodgers and Monique Miller echoed those sentiments.

"These comments do not reflect the values of our state or community," Hodgers posted on Facebook. "Indian Americans are integral to Florida as business owners, professionals and neighbors. I stand with my friends in the Indian community and denounce these remarks."

"I stand with the Indian-American community,” Miller wrote. “You have built your businesses, lives and families in Brevard County, demonstrating shared values of liberty, community and enterprise. You are respected and I salute you."

A U.S. Commerce Department report showed Indian visitors to the U.S. fell 8 percent in June 2025 to 210,000, the first drop this millennium excluding the COVID-19 period.