FRISCO, Texas (Diya TV) — The six Indian American members of Congress, known collectively as the Samosa Caucus, have strongly condemned the burning and tearing of an Indian flag during an anti-immigration protest in Frisco, Texas, calling the act hateful and harmful to the Indian American community.
The lawmakers issued a joint statement on June 15 after a video of the incident spread widely across social media. The footage showed a man tearing an Indian flag outside Frisco City Hall while demonstrators cheered and shouted anti-India slogans. The protest focused on opposition to immigration and what organizers described as an “Indian immigration invasion” in Texas.
The incident sparked outrage among Indian Americans and community leaders across the United States. Members of the Samosa Caucus said the event reflected a troubling rise in anti-Indian rhetoric and xenophobia.
The joint statement was signed by Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Shri Thanedar, and Suhas Subramanyam. Together, they represent the entire Indian American caucus in Congress.
The lawmakers expressed solidarity with Indian Americans in Frisco and across the country. They emphasized that all people deserve to live safely and with dignity, regardless of their background.
“We strongly support the constitutional right to freedom of expression for all Americans,” the lawmakers said in their statement. “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.”The group also stated that acts of intimidation and hate directed at any community have no place in the United States.
The Samosa Caucus used the statement to address broader concerns about increasing hostility toward Indian Americans and South Asian Americans.
The lawmakers described the Indian American community as an important part of the nation. They highlighted the community’s contributions to business, technology, medicine, education and public service. The members of Congress said Indian Americans deserve to feel safe, respected, and welcomed in their communities. They warned that hateful rhetoric can create fear and encourage discrimination.
“As Indian Americans and South Asian Americans face harassment, xenophobia and hateful rhetoric, leaders must speak clearly,” the lawmakers said. “Hate targeting any community cannot be tolerated or ignored.”The statement comes at a time when community advocates have raised concerns about growing anti-immigrant sentiment and online hate directed at people of Indian origin.
Before the joint statement, Rep. Shri Thanedar had already spoken out against the incident. He described the flag-tearing episode as a “disgusting act of hate” and reaffirmed his support for Indian Americans. In a statement shared on social media, Thanedar praised the contributions of immigrants and highlighted the role of Indian Americans in American society.
“Immigrants make our country stronger,” Thanedar said. “Indian Americans, and the incredible talent they bring to every field, have a special place in the American story.”His comments echoed the broader message from the Samosa Caucus that diversity and immigration remain important strengths of the United States.
The Frisco incident has drawn attention from community organizations, civil rights advocates, and elected officials. Many have urged local leaders to reject hate and promote understanding among different communities.
The controversy has also renewed discussions about balancing free speech protections with efforts to combat discrimination and harassment. While the lawmakers defended the constitutional right to free expression, they stressed that public officials should speak out against hateful actions and rhetoric.
The Samosa Caucus said the nation must remain committed to protecting all communities from bias and intimidation. The lawmakers urged Americans to stand together against xenophobia and hate.
