The Puerto Rican community in Georgia is outraged by racist jokes at the Trump rally

ATLANTA – A comedian who called Puerto Rico trash before a crowded Donald Trump rally in New York could have a big impact on Georgia's presidential election. Although Puerto Ricans cannot vote in general elections despite being U.S. citizens, they can exert a powerful influence by persuading relatives on the mainland.

Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe and the Trump campaign continue to face backlash over his racist jokes about Puerto Rico and minorities during the Madison Square Garden event.

Members of Georgia's Puerto Rican and Latino communities expressed their outrage at a news conference in Norcross on Tuesday.

“Words matter, especially when someone takes leadership of this nation,” said community leader Grace Williams.

WATCH: Trump rally at Madison Square Garden

The Trump campaign has attempted to distance itself from the comedian, saying Hinchcliffe's joke about Puerto Rico does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.

Just a week before Election Day, spokespeople said the vulgar remarks could hurt Trump in key battleground states.

“One hundred thousand Puerto Ricans live in the metropolitan area, and we vote,” Williams said.

Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris is competing with Trump to win over Puerto Rican communities in swing states. Shortly afterwards, stand-up comedian Tony Hinchcliffe said: “I don't know if you know this, but at the moment there's literally a floating island made of rubbish in the middle of the ocean. I think her name is Puerto Rico.” Rican celebrities, including reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny, announced they were supporting Harris.

Hinchcliffe's post also included lewd and racist comments about Latinos, Jews and blacks, all of whom are key constituencies in the election.