US politician Chandler Langevin censured over anti-Indian immigration remarks

Chandler Langevin, a city council member from Palm Bay, Florida, is facing widespread condemnation after a series of social media posts in which he called for the mass deportation of Indians living in the United States. His remarks have sparked outrage among immigrant communities, civil rights organisations, and fellow politicians.

On Saturday, the Palm Bay City Council reportedly voted 3-2 to formally censure Langevin, a symbolic reprimand for his controversial statements. The censure does not affect his position but reflects the council’s disapproval of his comments.

In a post dated October 18 on X (formerly Twitter), Langevin claimed that even conservative Hindus in the US were beginning to support his stance against immigration from India.

“There are even conservative Hindus like my friend Shashi that understand what time it is,” Langevin wrote.

“Some of you may not agree and that is ok, but I have been traveling the state of Florida the past two weeks engaging in dialogue with conservative Hindu groups. Many are coming around to realize that mass immigration into America, even from India, is hurting them as well and are willing to leverage their influence to help save America 🇺🇸.”

In the same post, he added, “I’d rather have a few Shashis that want to save America than hordes of Islamists, commies, cartels, and indentured servants stealing American jobs.”

The remarks were immediately denounced as xenophobic and racially charged, with advocacy groups calling for an apology and some demanding his resignation. Many critics pointed out that his rhetoric echoes white nationalist talking points and could incite hostility against South Asian and other immigrant communities.

Langevin, elected to the Palm Bay City Council in 2024, describes himself in his X bio as a Christian, family man, Conservative, Navy Corpsman (FMF), and Jeffersonian. Since his election, he has built a reputation for far-right views on immigration and US identity.

Despite backlash, Langevin has not walked back his comments. Instead, he has defended them as truthful and necessary for protecting American workers.