We Condemn Xenophobic and Racist Remarks Targeting Puerto Rico

Boricuas NC, El Centro Hispano, El Colectivo NC, and Women Leading strongly denounce the disparaging remarks made at a recent Trump campaign rally in New York City, where Puerto Rico was referred to as a “floating island of garbage.” This offensive language is rooted in xenophobia and racism and starkly contrasts with the values upheld by our communities.

Puerto Rico is home to more than 3 million U.S. citizens whose contributions enrich every corner of our nation. In North Carolina alone, over 115,000 Puerto Rican voters actively participate in the democratic process. Our communities are united in affirming the dignity and resilience of Puerto Rican people in North Carolina and throughout the United States. We will not allow derogatory rhetoric to undermine their value or silence their voices. We urge leaders everywhere to cultivate respect, celebrate diversity, and take a firm stand against all forms of discrimination.

Freddy Medina, President of Boricuas NC, expressed:  

“These offensive comments are an insult to every Puerto Rican, both on the island and in the diaspora. Puerto Ricans have made immeasurable contributions to the fabric of American society, and we will not stand by while our community is demeaned. As Puerto Ricans, we are here, we vote, and we demand the respect we deserve.”

Pilar Rocha-Goldberg, President & CEO of El Centro Hispano, stated:  

“At El Centro Hispano, we firmly condemn these xenophobic and racist remarks about Puerto Rico. Our Puerto Rican community embodies resilience, dignity, and strength. Such statements have no place in our society, and we will continue working to build an inclusive community where all Latino voices are valued and respected.”

Ana Blackburn, President of Women Leading, added:  

“Words matter, and these words were meant to demean and dehumanize Puerto Ricans. Our communities deserve to be treated with dignity, not reduced to baseless stereotypes. Women Leading stands with the Puerto Rican community, and we will continue to fight against hate and for respect for all.”

Antelmo Salazar, President of El Colectivo NC, remarked:  

“Comments like these are rooted in ignorance and serve only to divide us. Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who have shown their resilience time and again, and we are proud to stand alongside them. We reject this rhetoric and call for a higher standard of respect toward all communities.”

Our organizations remain committed to creating communities built on respect, equity, and inclusion. We call on all individuals to stand with us in honoring and supporting the Puerto Rican community and all those who enrich our shared society.