Selena Gomez has sparked widespread reactions after an emotional video in which she tearfully condemned former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. The 32-year-old singer and actress, who is of Mexican descent, appeared distraught as she addressed the recent wave of deportations under Trump’s executive orders on immigration.
In the now-deleted video, Gomez could be seen visibly upset, expressing sorrow for the impact of the crackdown. “I just want to say that I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children. I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise,” she said.
The Trump administration recently launched what is being described as the largest deportation effort in U.S. history. Images shared by the White House showed individuals in shackles boarding a military plane, with a caption stating, “Deportation flights have begun.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have reportedly been given arrest quotas ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 detentions per day. Raids have already taken place in major cities like Chicago, New York, and Aurora, Colorado, with more planned in the coming weeks.
Gomez’s video was met with mixed reactions, drawing both support and criticism. In response to the backlash, she took to Instagram, writing, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” However, this post was also later removed.
Among those who criticized Gomez was Republican U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker, who wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that she should “be deported.” The singer responded with apparent sarcasm, posting on Instagram, “Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
Gomez, who has been vocal about immigrant rights in the past, recently starred in the Oscar-nominated Spanish-language film Emilia Perez, where she portrayed a woman linked to a Mexican cartel. Her involvement in the film, coupled with her emotional response to Trump’s immigration policies, has reignited discussions about the entertainment industry’s role in political activism.
Trump’s latest immigration orders include expanded priorities for arrests, meaning undocumented immigrants without criminal records are now at risk of deportation, in contrast to previous policies that focused on those deemed security threats. The administration’s aggressive stance has sparked fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, while also fueling political debate across the country.
As tensions rise over immigration policies, Gomez’s public reaction underscores the deeply personal impact of these decisions on families and communities. Whether her emotional plea will influence further conversations on the issue remains to be seen.
