A Florida politician is facing widespread condemnation and formal censure following a series of inflammatory social media posts calling for the mass deportation of individuals of Indian descent from the United States. Chandler Langevin, a Palm Bay city council member elected last year, has sparked outrage with his remarks, which have been widely denounced as racist and xenophobic.
Langevin's posts on X made sweeping generalizations, claiming that "there's not a single Indian that cares about the United States" and that "they are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians". He further stated that Indians "drain our pockets" and do not assimilate. In one post on October 2, 2025, coinciding with his birthday, Langevin called on former President Donald Trump to revoke all Indian visas.
The remarks triggered immediate and intense backlash from the Indian American community, as well as local residents and national advocacy groups. Many have called for Langevin's resignation. Following the initial wave of criticism, Langevin attempted to clarify that his remarks were directed towards temporary visa holders and not the broader Indian American community. However, this clarification did little to quell the growing outrage.
In response to the controversy, the Palm Bay City Council voted 3-2 to censure Langevin. The censure entails stripping him of key committee roles, limiting his speaking privileges, and requiring him to seek consensus before adding items to the council agenda.
Langevin has responded by filing a lawsuit against the city, claiming that the censure violates his First Amendment rights and sets a dangerous precedent for silencing minority viewpoints. However, community leaders have condemned Langevin's rhetoric as deeply polarizing, with some expressing fears that such language could incite violence.
Several Republican and Democratic leaders have also condemned Langevin's statements. Florida State Senator Debbie Mayfield has sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis urging action, while fellow Councilman Kenny Johnson has called for Langevin to resign or face suspension by the governor.
The advocacy group Hindus for Human Rights has formally requested Governor DeSantis to remove Langevin from office. The controversy has also drawn attention to Langevin's background and political views. His X bio describes him as a "Christian, family man, Conservative, Navy Corpsman (FMF) and a Jeffersonian".
The Langevin controversy highlights the increasing tensions surrounding immigration and cultural diversity in the United States. The censure of Langevin demonstrates a rejection of xenophobic rhetoric at the local government level and underscores the importance of holding elected officials accountable for inflammatory statements.
