Some members of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are upset that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has been invited to make his case before the group, pointing to his divisive comments about illegal immigrants, news site Buzzfeed reported.

Chamber President Javier Palomarez plans to interview Trump during a question-and-answer session for members on Oct. 8. The Chamber has held similar events with other presidential candidates, including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.).

However, Frank Garcia, chairman of a New York state coalition of 16 Hispanic chambers, wants the event to be called off. He has circulated a petition urging the Chamber to do just that, and has appeared on the Spanish-language network Univision urging a boycott of the event.

Garcia is not the only one with concerns. Sam Guzman, chairman of 35 Texas chambers, told Buzzfeed the upcoming event with Trump sends the wrong message.

"I don't see any reason why any credible Latino organization or leader would give Trump the time of day, much less a forum to speak to the Hispanic community," Guzman said.

Palomarez doesn't dispute Trump's rhetoric has upset the Latino community. He told Buzzfeed that he is a former farmworker who was the "poster child" for the kind of people Trump wants to deport. But he added that his organization must be above rhetoric and host candidates with a wide range of views.

"Hearing all candidate's voices, whether you agree or disagree, it's important that we listen," he said. http://bzfd.it/1MucVBZ

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