DREAMers in graduation caps and gowns will deliver cantaloupes to Rep. Steve King’s (R-IA) office Thursday afternoon in protest of the congressman’s controversial statement that most DREAMers have “calves the size of cantaloupes” from “hauling marijuana.”
The DREAMers–or immigrants who came into the country as young children–are being organized by United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth network in the country.
“Congressman Steve King’s accusations are outrageous,” Cristina Jimenez, managing director of United We Dream, said in a statement. “His insulting comments only add to his track record of extremism and his ongoing crusade against immigrants and American values of fairness, family, and opportunity.”
King’s comments come as he fights against immigration reform, specifically a path to citizenship for millions of the nation’s undocumented immigrants.
“For everyone who’s a valedictorian, there’s another 100 out there that weigh 130 pounds and they’ve got calves the size of cantaloupes because they’re hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert,” King said in an interview with Newsmax last week. “Those people would be legalized with the same act.”
Despite near universal condemnation from both Republicans and Democrats, King has stood by his remarks.
Update: At around 2:30 p.m. EST, the DREAMers delivered the cantaloupes.
DREAMers bring cantaloupes to Rep. Steve King’s office. pic.twitter.com/nvNpoLV3Vx (via @AntonietaCadiz)
— jennifer bendery (@jbendery) July 25, 2013
