NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Palm Bay, Fla., Oct. 19, 2025: A city councilman in Palm Bay is at the center of a growing firestorm after posting a series of inflammatory social media statements targeting Indian immigrants — remarks that prompted a formal censure from his colleagues and a wave of condemnation from political and community leaders.
Councilman Chandler Langevin is accused of posting remarks such as, “There’s not a single Indian that cares about the United States. They are here to exploit us financially and enrich India and Indians. America for Americans.” In another post, he called for the mass removal of Indian nationals: “Deport every Indian immediately.”
His remarks drew swift backlash, with critics calling them xenophobic, divisive and unbecoming of an elected official. Langevin later claimed his comments were aimed at visa-holders rather than Indian Americans as a whole, but many observers said the language left little room for such distinctions.
The Palm Bay City Council voted 3–2 last week to formally censure Langevin for “conduct unbecoming of an elected member” and misuse of city letterhead. As part of the censure, his ability to place items on the council agenda, speak during certain meeting segments, and serve on boards or committees was curtailed. In a further rebuke, the council voted to send a letter to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urging him to consider suspending Langevin from office.
Langevin has refused to apologize and says he will not step down. He and his attorney argue that the council’s actions amount to a violation of his First Amendment rights and filed a lawsuit against the city. “As soon as we start allowing councils to silence its members because we disagree with their speech, we set a dangerous precedent,” he said.
The Florida Democratic Party formally condemned Langevin’s remarks as “vile and reprehensible” and pledged to stand in solidarity with the Indian American community. Local leaders in Brevard County also voiced strong opposition. “Words that demean or devalue others have no place in Palm Bay,” said Mayor Rob Medina in a letter to residents.
From within the Indian American community, the sentiment was clear. Amar Patel, CEO of the Brevard Achievement Center and a long-standing local resident, said, “You don’t know who you are standing next to in the community that agrees with council member Langevin’s perspective, and that’s a very scary feeling.”
Cover photo credit: WESH 2 News.
