BOISE, ID – Members of the Idaho House Business Committee are being condemned by advocacy groups over what they are calling “overtly racist actions” during a public hearing on Monday.

The incident took place during testimony on a bill that would mandate employers verify the immigration status of their employees through E-Verify.

During public comment, a man identified as David Pettinger approached the podium wearing a costume that included brownface make-up, handcuffs, sunglasses and a wig. He initially spoke in a fake Spanish accent and pretended not to speak English.

“El Jefe, Amigos,” Pettinger said. “No hablo ingles.” The groups say it was a “clear, obscene mockery of Latinos in Idaho.”

In a joint statement from the ACLU of Idaho, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, and the Idaho Queer Caucus, committee members faced criticism for allowing Pettinger to address lawmakers in the costume. Under committee rules of decorum, demonstrations, applause, clapping, and signage are not allowed during meetings.

Following a short break, Pettinger was allowed to continue his testimony without the accent but remained in the costume and brownface while addressing the committee.

Lawmakers critical of the incident said allowing the testimony in that format amounted to an overtly racist action supported by members of the committee.