MIAMI, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Fearing possible security risks, a Miami group withdrew its speaking engagement request to a congressman who called Miami a "Third World country."
U.S. Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., was scheduled to speak about immigration issues at Miami Rotary Club's weekly meeting, but the invitation was withdrawn after his comments sparked protests, the Miami Herald said Thursday.
"I knew speaking your mind could be dangerous in Havana," Tancredo said in a statement. "I guess it's equally dangerous to do so in Miami."
Managers of the restaurant where the meeting was scheduled said they received complaints from employees and phone calls from residents objecting to Tancredo's scheduled appearance.
Tancredo last month said Miami exemplified what could happen if immigration policies were not tightened.
"You would never know you're in the United States of America," he said. "You would certainly say you're in a Third World country."
Florida Gov. Jeb Bush called Tancredo's remarks naive, Bush said he was disappointed that the behavior of some led to the cancellation.
