US Congressman Shri Thanedar Faces Racist Online Attacks Over English Accent
Indian-origin US Congressman Shri Thanedar has become the target of racist online attacks. The controversy erupted after a conservative social media account highlighted his remarks on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, commonly known as ICE. Many responses mocked his English accent, while others criticized the post for fueling xenophobic attacks against an immigrant lawmaker.
National Attention on Immigration Enforcement
The post gained traction amid intense national focus on immigration enforcement. This follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old American woman Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. An ICE agent shot her during a federal operation on January 7. The incident has sparked widespread protests across the United States.
In response to the shooting, Thanedar announced his intention to introduce legislation aimed at dismantling ICE. He argues that the agency's enforcement authority should end. Its functions could then reassign to other federal bodies. This move addresses concerns over use of force and accountability within the agency.
Racist Comments Flood Social Media
Following the post, some users posted harsh comments. One user wrote, "Foreigners shouldn't be allowed to serve in elected office in the US." Another said, "Deport him back to India until he can at the very least, learn to speak English." A third user commented, "I can't believe this thing was elected. We are not a serious country."
However, several users pushed back against these attacks. They called out the post and the responses as racist and xenophobic. Many defended Thanedar as a duly elected American lawmaker who deserves respect.
Thanedar Slams ICE After Minneapolis Shooting
Thanedar announced his intention to introduce legislation to dismantle the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The bill aims to end its current enforcement authority. Titled the Abolish ICE Act, it follows the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good during an ICE operation in Minneapolis.
"The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, a 37-year-old mother fatally shot by an ICE agent, shows that ICE cannot be reformed and must be abolished. The Abolish ICE Act is a step toward justice, accountability, and a more humane approach to immigration policy," Thanedar said.
He added, "When an agency's structure consistently produces harm instead of justice, there is no way to reform it. We must fundamentally change the way we approach immigration."
Debate Over ICE's Future
Thanedar and other supporters argue that immigration enforcement could handle more effectively and lawfully by other federal agencies. Critics of ICE have long said its structure and methods have led to repeated abuses. They point to a consistent lack of accountability within the organization.
The online attacks against Thanedar highlight broader issues of racism and xenophobia in political discourse. As an immigrant lawmaker, his experience underscores the challenges faced by non-native speakers in American politics.
