Spring Valley Mayor George Darden caused controversy after hiring illegal immigrants to work at a village construction site.

Many day laborers stand alongside Route 59 waiting for work. On Tuesday, some of them were picked up by Spring Valley's DPW and given work by Darden to clean out a building on North Main Street. Darden says the day laborers live in the village and they need to provide for their families just like everyone else does.

However, many do not agree with the mayor and have called for his immediate resignation.

William Tibbe, of the Rockland Civil Defense, says the act is in flagrant violation of state and federal law. Tibbe adds that to pay them with public funds is unheard of. He says day laborers don't contribute to Social Security, aren't being taxed, and have no insurance to cover injuries sustained on the job.

Community activist Charles Butler says the U.S. is a nation of immigrants and the day laborers are just trying to get a piece of the American pie.

Darden was advised by his attorney not to speak to the media Wednesday.