Members of Bridgeport's Latino community, both Democrats and Republicans, strongly condemned Monday racist 'jokes' made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a rally for former President Donald Trump in New York City Sunday.

"Calling Puerto Rico 'a floating island of garbage' is more than crude and tasteless; it's yet another example of racism coming from the Trump camp, at a time when America needs to be united, not divided," said Bridgeport City Council President Aidee Nieves. "We condemn this kind of language in the strongest possible terms."

Republican Rick Torres, a former Bridgeport councilman and candidate for mayor, also condemned the language but said it does not reflect the values or policies of the Trump campaign.

"That comedian is a jackass, plain and simple, but his stupid tasteless comments in no way reflect the thinking of Donald Trump. We need to focus on the policies and other important matters at stake in this election, and not get sidetracked by the stupidity of one person," Torres said.

Members of the Trump campaign publicly distanced themselves from the comedian and his comments Monday, saying the former president's focus is on policy planks and getting the vote out.