During a public meeting, Republican Representative Mike Lawler from New York sparked controversy by questioning the citizenship status of José Alvarado, the Vice Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators. The heated exchange took place when Alvarado asked Lawler what documentation people should have if approached by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Citizenship Controversy
José Alvarado, a prominent Latino leader, addressed Lawler, asking, “What should I carry on me to demonstrate that this immigrant is the vice chairman of this board?” Lawler’s response, which appeared to question Alvarado’s citizenship, left many in the room in shock. Lawler replied, “Well, like every other person 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.”
The comment, which implied uncertainty about Alvarado’s citizenship, drew laughs from some attendees. One person was overheard calling Lawler’s remarks “unbelievable,” according to NBC News.
Alvarado Defends His Citizenship
In response, Alvarado pointed out that citizenship is a legal requirement for holding public office. He said, “I didn’t realize that you didn’t know that in order to be elected, you have to be a citizen. In order to vote, you have to be a citizen.”
Lawler, however, doubled down on his comments, claiming that he understood the citizenship requirement for public office. He stated, “I understand to hold office, you have to be a citizen. Your question was specific to what papers you should show as an immigrant. My point to you was, like everyone else who is a citizen, if you are encountered by law enforcement and they ask you for documentation, you provide it.”
ICE Controversies and Lawler’s Defense
Lawler’s remarks were defended by his communications director, Nate Soule, who told NBC News that the congressman was simply trying to emphasize that individuals who are legally in the country should have no fear of interacting with ICE. However, recent reports have highlighted concerns about ICE’s practices. On January 26, ICE agents detained nearly 1,200 individuals in Chicago, with only 613 having criminal histories. The others were detained for civil violations, not criminal offenses, according to NBC News.
Criticism and Defending ICE Practices
Tom Homan, former Border Czar under President Donald Trump, defended ICE’s actions, stating that collateral arrests were sometimes made when individuals without criminal histories were detained during operations aimed at removing criminals. Homan explained that ICE targets those who pose public safety threats, which could include people illegally residing in the U.S.
Lawler’s Apology and His Stance on Immigration
This incident follows a recent pattern of controversy surrounding Lawler. Last year, he was forced to apologize after a 2006 photo emerged showing him wearing blackface at a college Halloween party. Despite the backlash over his comments and past controversies, Lawler’s spokesperson defended his position, reiterating that those obeying the law should have nothing to fear from ICE.
The spokesperson also pointed to the recent rejection of sanctuary policies during the last election, which saw many Hispanic voters shifting towards the Republican Party.
Conclusion: Immigration and Public Office Debates
The exchange between Representative Mike Lawler and José Alvarado has highlighted ongoing debates about immigration, public office eligibility, and law enforcement practices. As U.S. immigration policies continue to be a contentious issue, the comments made during this meeting emphasize the complex relationship between local governance, national immigration enforcement, and the Latino community’s role in politics.
