New York Rep. Mike Lawler is facing criticism after questioning the citizenship status of Westchester County Legislator Jose Alvarado during a public meeting. The exchange occurred during a discussion on immigration enforcement when Alvarado, who immigrated from Honduras in the 1980s, asked what identification he should carry to prove his status. Lawler responded, “I assume you’re a citizen. Maybe you’re not.”
Democrats swiftly condemned Lawler, a potential GOP candidate for governor, accusing him of xenophobia. Lawler defended his remarks, insisting he was not questioning Alvarado’s citizenship and noting his own wife is an immigrant. His office dismissed the backlash as a political attack.
Despite support from some Latino leaders, Alvarado emphasized concerns about racial profiling, stating that enforcement disproportionately targets people of color.
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