Undocumented immigrant and activist Erika Andiola confronted Republican Steve King at an Ohio fundraiser on August 4th. CNN says that Andiola, who is one of the Arizona DREAM Act Coalition, wanted to confront King with regard to his decision to vote against the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program.
This program allows for a delay in deportation for those young people who came to the United States without legal documentation. DACA was enacted by President Obama, but Republicans within the House of Representatives believe that this legislation is what led to over 60,000 undocumented immigrant minors fleeing to the US-Mexico border this year alone in the hope of being able to enter the United States.
Andiola apparently offered her papers to King so that he could rip them up, but King declined to take up her offer. King has been in hot water due to a statement about immigrants having “calves the size of cantaloupes”, as reported by CNN, but King claims that he was referring to drug smugglers. Andiola told King she was brought to the United States when she was just 11 years old by her mother, who was trying to escape an abusive relationship. King reportedly replied that this does not excuse her breaking the law.
The Washington Post says that Rand Paul was at the same restaurant but left his seat when approached by Andiola. “We’re trying the best way possible to be accepted by this community,” Andiola explained.