Sarah Palin Claims Undocumented Immigrants Being Lured to US by Gift Baskets of Soccer Balls and Teddy Bears

In a speech on behalf of Donald Trump in Wisconsin, Sarah Palin claimed that undocumented immigrants are being lured to the United States by gifts baskets of soccer balls and teddy bears.  And she doesn’t seem to be joking.  Numerous advocates and scholars have noted the rise in border deaths, increased use of expedited removal at the border and return of family detention.  Some humanitarian groups such as the Water Station and No More Deaths provide water to migrants in the desert.  But gift baskets? 

UPDATE:  Apparently, Palin’s comments were directed at Ted Cruz, who last summer announced that he would eliminate DACA but – in an effort to show compassion to immigrants – joined Glenn Beck in distributing teddy bears and soccer balls to immigrant children.  (See one piece explaining the link here).  Thanks also to a loyal Immprof blog reader who pointed out the connection to me via email. 

The video is below:

-JKoh