Sen. Marco Rubio got a standing ovation at the Hispanic Leadership Network Conference in Doral on Friday morning, but moments after his speech, he was interrupted by three hecklers.

The group was escorted out, despite Rubio asking that they stay.

"No, please -- if they would give me the courtesy of finishing my speech where I am going to speak about this, then I ask you let them stay because I think they will be interested in what I am going to say," Rubio said.

The junior senator then dove into immigration, saying it's a broken system that needs to be modernized. Rubio says he hopes Republicans will take the lead in trying to resolve the legal status of illegal immigrants who go to college or join the military. 

Video: Rubio talks immigration

The freshman senator criticized those on the right who use harsh language regarding illegal immigrants. He says he's been too slow at times to condemn that language. Rubio also chastised the left for using unrealistic solutions to gain favor with Latinos. 

Read: Rubio's entire keynote speech

The son of Cuban immigrants has shied away from taking a lead on immigration. That appeared to change Friday. 

Rubio has yet to endorse a Republican candidate for president. With just four days left to make his mark, he said he will remain "neutral."

"If this century is to be an American century, we have to figure out a way to make sure that is who we remember," said Rubio.

Rubio also said he will not be a vice presidential nominee, despite candidates interest in him.

About 60 to 70 people gathered for the "protest" outside the event.