Hundreds of tacos delivered to East Haven Mayor Maturo

East Haven, Conn. (WTNH) - A group focused on racial injustice hand-delivered 500 tacos to East Haven Mayor Joseph Maturo's office Thursday.

The tacos, packed in several large disposable pans, were delivered a little after 1:30 p.m. News 8's Erin Cox says Mayor Maturo was not at Town Hall when the delivery was made. [Read his statement below]

They're in response to a comment made by the mayor that he "might eat a taco" when asked what he would do for the Latino Community following the arrest of four police officers.

The group that made the delivery, Reform Immigration for America, says via Twitter this "is about more than tacos: it's about addressing the racial injustice plaguing East Haven for years."

"These tacos represent every person in America who was disgusted and condemns your comments," said Latrina Kelly, the Interim Executive Director at Junta For Progressive Action.

The group says it wants to open up a dialogue with the mayor on the relationship between Latinos and police in East Haven.

The tacos, which were made by a restaurant in New Haven, were donated to the Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen in New Haven.

Below is the full statement released by Mayor Maturo:

"The Town of East Haven has received an abundance of tacos as a result of the campaign initiated by the group 'Reform Immigration for America.'  Recognizing that there are many in need in our State, we have arranged for all of the tacos to be donated to local soup kitchens and pantries including the 'Downtown Evening Soup Kitchen' in New Haven.

The abundance of tacos that we received today underscores the importance of the issues currently facing the Town of East Haven and highlights the need for the Town to continue the process of healing and reform that I initiated immediately upon taking office through the efforts of the Town's newly constituted 'LEARN' Committee.

The events of the past few days have focused our Town, and my administration, on the need to deal sensitively and compassionately with the challenges currently facing our Town.  We will continue to address those challenges while also striving to provide the services our residents have come to expect."