Bernie Sanders

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks at a campaign rally at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Tuesday, March 15, 2016.

(AP Photo/Ricardo Arduengo)

Democratic presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders dropped the mic on his GOP rivals this week, blasting Ted Cruz's previous attack on "New York values" and questioning Donald Trump's understanding of them.

The Vermont senator, who stopped by the "The Nightly Show" Wednesday ahead of New York's upcoming presidential primaries, touted the values instilled in him while growing up in Brooklyn and argued that neither Republican candidate represents them.

Taking aim at Cruz's January remarks, Sanders stressed that he has "New York values," which he characterized as valuing a living wage for all Americans, a justice system that treats people fairly and a government that works for all Americans.

Sanders contended that by suggesting those values are a bad thing, Cruz insulted his city, his state, his culture and his heritage.

"You started this 'New York values' nonsense as an attack on Trump, but I've got some 'New York values' for him too," he said, turning his attack to the billionaire businessman. "Mr. Trump, you wouldn't know 'New York values' if they were written in 50-foot gold letters on the side of the Empire State Building. "

The Vermont senator argued that "New York values" welcome immigrants like the Statue of Liberty and don't look to divide people by building walls.

"In New York we pride ourselves on our diversity, we don't divide people up based on where they were born," he said.

Sanders further called on New York residents to "stand up," fight back and not let anyone tear them down.

"As New Yorkers, we understand what 'New York values' really mean, we believe in the value of hard work, we believe in the value of equality, we believe in the value of a society where the American dream works for all, not just the 1 percent," he said before dropping the mic. "Those are New York values and the truth is, New York values are American values - there is no difference."

Sanders' appearance on the late-night television show came less than a week before New York voters will weigh-in on the presidential primary process.

The Vermont senator and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who resides in Chappaqua, are competing for 247 delegates in the state.