(AP) — A Kansas congresswoman’s town hall meeting grew heated as the discussion turned to immigration, and a pastor found himself shouted down for

suggesting compassion for immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

The Rev. Jason Schoff faced shouts of “They’re illegal” when he spoke during Wednesday’s event at a Topeka hotel hosted by 2nd District Republican Lynn Jenkins.

Jenkins discussed her support work by GOP leaders in the U.S. House on an alternative a bipartisan Senate proposal offering a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants.

Schoff is director of Latino outreach for Mission Adelante, a Kansas City, Kan., church and mission group assisting immigrants. He told Jenkins that he’s concerned “about the human condition” in immigration.

He also said Kansas businesses need immigrant workers.