Republican lawmaker questions citizenship status of Latino official at public meeting
Rep. Mike Lawler of New York made the remark in response to a question from José Alvarado, the vice chair of Westchester County's Board of Legislators.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., questioned the citizenship status of an elected county official in New York during a discussion about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at a public meeting Tuesday.
The remark by Lawler came after José Alvarado, the vice chair of Westchester County’s Board of Legislators, asked the congressman what documentation people should be expected to produce if they are stopped by ICE.
“I’m speaking to you, Mr. Lawler — somebody that looks like me, right, is approached by ICE. What would your immediate expectation would be for me to do? What should I carry on me to demonstrate that this immigrant is the vice chairman of this board?” Alvarado, a Democrat, asked.
Lawler said he should cooperate if that were to happen, before suggesting Alvarado might not be a citizen.
“Well, 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 don’t know. I assume you’re a citizen. Maybe you’re not. Maybe you are,” Lawler said during the board's weekly meeting.
Rating: 5