LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON THE RISE OF ANTI-SOUTH ASIAN HATE

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Official release

Source material from Congress · House Democratic Leader. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

September 18, 2026

Press Release

Today, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement:

The disturbing rise of targeted, vile and bigoted hate against our South Asian communities shocks the conscience.

Just this week, a Sikh driver in Wyoming was stabbed 17 times after Donald Trump’s out-of-control Department of Homeland Security posted racist propaganda with the message “Get off our roads, you don’t know how to drive, Mr. Singh.” Bo French, a Republican statewide Texas candidate, peddled vile racism towards students celebrating at a University of Texas football game. Right-wing Republicans are repeatedly using derogatory slurs in a casual manner.

Meanwhile, most Republicans are standing by while the GOP traffics in hateful behavior and demeaning rhetoric targeting members of the South Asian community. It is unacceptable, unconscionable and un-American. Our greatness as a nation is connected to the fact that we are a gorgeous mosaic of people from all over the world who come to this country, work hard and pursue the American dream. House Democrats will continue to confront racism and xenophobia whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head. It’s time for Republicans to join us.

Release text attributed to Congress · House Democratic Leader. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.