Frisco, Texas — A routine city council meeting on February 3, 2026, erupted into a heated clash when residents challenged the growing Indian-American population and accused city leaders of favoring one community. The heated exchange between right-wing activists and Indian-origin citizens exposed deep divisions over immigration policy, demographic change, and political influence in this fast-growing North Texas suburb.
About a dozen speakers wearing America First hats and symbols associated with far-right groups attended the meeting after conservative social media influencers Kaylee Campbell and Marc Palasciano urged disgruntled North Texans to voice concerns about the "massive takeover" of Indians in Frisco. However, most of these vocal critics were not actually Frisco residents but had traveled from across North Texas to attend the meeting.
They alleged widespread H-1B visa fraud and claimed Indian professionals were displacing American workers.
Marc Palasciano, describing himself as a whistleblower, made provocative statements during the meeting. He said:
Palasciano further questioned why the Frisco mayor had Indian-American donors, insinuating improper financial influence.
The Indian-origin population in Frisco has grown dramatically. According to city government surveys, Indians and other Asians comprised 33 percent of Frisco's population in 2026, up from just 10 percent in 2010.
This demographic shift, combined with the fact that 75 percent of all H-1B visas are issued to Indian professionals according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services data, fueled allegations of fraud from right-wing groups.
The meeting took on heightened significance following recent actions by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who announced a freeze on H-1B hiring in state agencies and universities. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into three North Texas businesses suspected of H-1B visa fraud scheme.
These state-level developments provided ammunition to critics who demanded local action.
However, Frisco city officials pushed back against accusations. Richard Abernathy, the Frisco city attorney, clarified that the municipality has no control over the H-1B visa program, which is administered at the federal level by the Department of Homeland Security.
Claims of widespread H-1B visa fraud remain unsubstantiated despite the passionate rhetoric.
Indian-American residents countered the inflammatory rhetoric with powerful personal testimonies. Shanthan Toodi, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, argued against framing the issue as an "Indian takeover." He stated:
Another Indian-American resident, Muni Janagarajan, emphasized the economic benefits of the Indian community. She pointed out that when Indians buy homes in Frisco, they invest in the city's world-class parks and Frisco Independent School District, one of Texas's top-rated school systems that benefits every child in the community.
Amit Radjadhyaksha, a longtime Frisco resident, emphasized unity and inclusivity during the meeting. He said:
His remarks reflected the broader sentiment among Indian-American residents that demographic diversity strengthens rather than threatens the community.
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney offered a welcoming message to the Indian community. He stated:
The mayor also expressed pride in the city's efforts to celebrate diverse cultural festivals, including Holi.
The controversy highlighted a broader pattern emerging across American communities where demographic changes spark tensions. The talking points used by Frisco activists echo similar campaigns in Minnesota, where far-right influencers have perpetuated unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about fraud within Somali immigrant communities.
These coordinated efforts suggest an organized strategy to target immigrant groups rather than address specific policy concerns.
Frisco community social media channels were flooded with messages following the February 3 meeting, with many residents expressing outrage at the targeting of Indians and support for immigrant integration. Indian-American community organizations called for investigations into genuine wrongdoing while rejecting broad accusations against an entire ethnic group. The phrase
became a rallying cry on local forums.
The Frisco city council meeting underscores the complex relationship between legitimate immigration policy debate and inflammatory rhetoric that targets entire ethnic communities. As Texas continues to implement stricter H-1B policies at the state level, cities like Frisco face pressure to respond to constituent concerns while protecting the rights and dignity of immigrant residents who contribute significantly to their local economies and communities.
Burt Thakur, Frisco's first Indian-origin city councilman, rejected allegations linking him or the Indian community to immigration fraud. He defended the Indian community's contributions to the American Dream and the city's growth, emphasizing that immigrants have strengthened America for generations.
Looking forward, the Frisco case will likely influence how other Texas cities and municipalities handle demographic change and immigration-related tensions. Community leaders must balance legitimate policy concerns about visa fraud enforcement with protecting immigrant residents from scapegoating and discrimination.
The controversy also raises questions about the role of social media influencers in amplifying divisive narratives and coordinating activism around immigration issues.