Westchester County legislator wants Rep. Lawler to apologize to community over comments on citizenship status
Controversy is brewing over comments made by Rep. Mike Lawler on a Westchester County legislator's citizenship status.
Controversy is brewing over comments made by Rep. Mike Lawler on a Westchester County legislator's citizenship status.
It happened during the Westchester County Board of Legislators meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The meeting was with the federal delegation, and Rep. Lawler was there.
"I prompted the question, as the way I look, and if I'm ever approached by ICE, what should I produce as documentation?," asked Westchester County Board of Legislators Vice Chair José Alvarado.
"Like every other person that is engaged by law enforcement, if you are asked for information, cooperate. I wouldn't expect you as a, I assume you are a citizen, maybe you're not, maybe you are but...," Lawler responded.
Alvarado, who is a U.S. citizen, says Lawler's response left him appalled and some other members of the board shocked.
"What is his right to question another duly elected official, high-ranking duly elected official in Westchester County about his citizenship status," says Alvarado.
Lawler addressed his comments a short time later during the meeting.
"Yes, I understand to hold office, you have to be a citizen," Lawler said.
Alvarado was born in Honduras. He has since lived the American dream, he tells News 12. He's the first Latino majority leader with the Westchester County Board of legislators.
He wants an apology from Lawler but not for himself.
"The community needs to hear an apology from him," says Alvarado.
Lawler says that's not going to happen.
"It's not an attack on immigrants but if you're questioned by ICE, you should cooperate," says Lawler.
Many of Alvarado's colleagues are standing by his side.
"I think it was disrespectful," says Chairman Vedat Gashi, with the Westchester County Board of Legislators.
The Democratic Caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators released the following statement:
"Rep. Lawler’s actions are deeply disrespectful to the Vice Chairman and an open affront to Latinos and all people of color in Westchester County and beyond. Congressman Lawler should know that all elected officials in this state, including those in Westchester County, must be U.S. citizens to hold office. We stand firmly by our colleague, José Alvarado and demand a full and immediate apology."
