New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez speaks about new laws expanding the state's Amber Alert and fighting child prostitution Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at a New Mexico Police State station in Albuquerque N.M. The nation's only Latina governor denounced fellow Republican and GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump for his comments about Mexican immigrants. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez denounced GOP presidential hopeful Donald Trump's remarks last week about Mexican immigrants and called his comments "horrible."
After a news conference Wednesday on new state laws aimed at protecting abused children, the nation's only Latina governor said she strongly disagreed with Trump's comments, which have drawn criticism across the country. Macy's, for example, said in a statement that the retailer is disappointed and distressed by Trump's remarks and that it would no longer carry a Trump menswear line.
"I think those are horrible things to say about anyone or any culture ... anyone of any ethnicity," said Martinez, a Republican. "I mean, that is uncalled for ... completely."
Martinez said she hadn't been keeping up with Trump, but expressed shock after learning about comments he made during his presidential campaign announcement.
The outspoken Trump asserted that Mexican immigrants bring drugs and crime to the U.S. and are rapists.
The comment struck many as insensitive, and Univision's decision last week to back out of airing the Miss USA pageant and break off its business ties with Trump led to a cascade of others following suit, including the Macy's department store chain.
The PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, USGA and PGA of America also on Wednesday distanced themselves from Trump in a statement saying that his remarks were "inconsistent with our strong commitment to an inclusive and welcoming environment in the game of golf."
Martinez, a rising star within the Republican Party, has been vocal about candidates toning down rhetoric on immigration reform. She is actively involved in efforts to recruit more women and minority candidates to run for office under the GOP banner.
In addition, Martinez has gone on a number of trade missions to Mexico and has been pushing for more infrastructure at the booming border town of Santa Teresa.
Last year, she won re-election in blue-leaning New Mexico, the state with the largest number of Hispanic residents, by a wide margin.
Martinez has faced criticism from immigrant advocates for her efforts to repeal a state law that allows immigrants in the country illegally to obtain a state driver's license.
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