Latino leaders from across the Hudson Valley continue to push back on Rep. Mike Lawler following his controversial citizenship comment this week at a meeting with county and federal delegates. The leaders shared their sentiments at a press conference that was held in White Plains on Thursday. "He was elected to look after his constituents. Not to attack our community," said Ximena Francella, the co-chair of the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester. The press conference was organized to demand an apology from Lawler after he questioned the citizenship status of Jose' Alvarado, the vice chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. "I assume you're a citizen. Maybe you're not," said Lawler at the meeting earlier this week. Alvarado, who is an American citizen, represents the county's 17th District. Census data from 2020 shows the area is 65% Hispanic. People News 12 spoke with in the district said they were offended by Lawler's comments. "Yes, because I'm also Central-American," one woman said. "Yes. Yes, because that shouldn't be a question at all," another man said. Jim Castro-Blanco, a Hispanic member of the Republican party who serves as counsel to the Westchester GOP, said he's coming to Lawler's defense. "I think he misspoke a little... [But, it's the] same way any law enforcement officer could look at me... and say 'Are you a citizen?' Especially, if there's a language issue," Castro-Blanco said

The Republican added that he feels that Lawler has been supportive of the Latino community.

"Rep. Lawler has been a friend of the Latino community in the Hudson Valley for years and these personal attacks against him are wrong," said Castro-Blanco. On Wednesday, Lawler told News 12 that he would not apologize. News 12 reached out to him again on Thursday, but he declined to speak.