Trump rally joke about Puerto Rico riles Bay State Latinos

•  Massachusetts is home to more than 300,000 Puerto Ricans, nearly 5% of the state's population, per census data.

Catch up quick: Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe called Puerto Rico "a floating island of garbage" during his routine Sunday night.

• Trump campaign senior adviser Danielle Alvarez said in a statement: "This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign."
• That same day, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a new policy platform for Puerto Rico, which was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017.

What they're saying: "My son was born on the same day his culture was called 'garbage' at one of the largest political rallies of the season," Jon Santiago, the Massachusetts' secretary of veterans' services, posted on X.

• "Never mind that his dad spent his life in service to his country or that his mom is an immigrant who's contributed more than she's taken."

Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, a Puerto Rican legislator who represents Springfield, says this is part of the Trump playbook, noting that Trump officials blocked Puerto Rico from getting aid after Maria and that he referred to Haiti as a "shithole country." 

• "These statements reflect his beliefs and associations, and there can be no more excuses: Who you surround yourself with defines who you are." 

Vanessa Calderón-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción in Boston, urged Puerto Ricans to reject these statements and exercise their voice by voting on Election Day. 

What we're watching: How Puerto Ricans and other Latinos vote in the presidential election, especially in swing states like Nevada, Arizona, Michigan and Georgia.