Antonio Villaraigosa Launches Campaign to Defeat Trump's 'Anti-Immigrant Policies'

LOS ANGELES, CA - Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced today the creation of a political action committee aimed at combating "anti-immigrant policies" being espoused by presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.

The Building Bridges, Not Walls committee plans to encourage Californians to register and vote in the presidential election, but also reach out to immigrant voters in "swing states" and encourage them to vote as well.

"Building Bridges, Not Walls is about Californians rising to the occasion and fighting for candidates and policies that will move America forward," Villaraigosa said. "Californians want to step up and respond in every way possible to protect our families, friends and neighbors from the threat of Donald Trump's scapegoating anti-immigrant politics.

"I am proud that the people of California are so generous in their giving to campaigns and causes, but we have more to offer than just our pocket books," he said. "We have the power of passionate people who will engage on a person-to-person level to mobilize and turn out people to vote."

Trump campaign officials could not be reached for immediate comment. Trump has repeatedly vowed to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigration. He has also come under fire for comments referring to Mexican immigrants as murderers and rapists.

Officials with the new PAC said the organization will specifically target voters in Arizona, Florida, Nevada and Colorado, "but will direct its efforts towards wherever it is needed to stop Trump."

City News Service; Photo: Wikimedia Commons