Selena Gomez Deletes Emotional Video on Immigration Crackdown After Backlash
Image: Frank Sun, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Selena Gomez has removed a tearful Instagram video where she spoke out against Donald Trump’s latest immigration crackdown, following criticism from Trump supporters and political figures. The singer and actress, who is of Mexican heritage, broke down in the since-deleted video, saying, “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 captioned it with “I’m sorry” and a Mexican flag emoji.
Gomez’s post came in response to Trump’s mass deportation efforts, which have already resulted in nearly 1,000 arrests. On Friday, the White House shared images of detained migrants being taken onto a military plane, captioning it: “Deportation flights have begun.” Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportation operation in U.S. history, with ongoing raids planned across multiple cities each week.
Following criticism, Gomez deleted the video and later posted on Instagram, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” only to remove that message as well.
While many of Gomez’s fans have come to her defense, others, including including U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker, who wrote on X: “Deport Selena Gomez.” In response, Gomez wrote on Instagram: “Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.” However, rapper Flavor Flav voiced support, writing on X: “Team Selena Gomez. Again. That woman is always so brave to share her truth.”
She has faced attacks from Trump supporters, including U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker, who wrote on X: “Deport Selena Gomez.” In response, Gomez wrote on Instagram: “Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
“Border Tsar” Tom Homan defends deportation efforts
Tom Homan, Trump’s “border tsar,” defended the deportation efforts and dismissed Gomez’s concerns. Speaking on Fox News, he stated, “If they don’t like it, then go to Congress and change the law. We’re going to do this operation without apology.” He added that only “public security threats and national security threats” were being targeted. However, reports indicate that ICE has been instructed to arrest between 1,200 and 1,500 people per day, including those without criminal records.
Homan also criticized Gomez for not speaking out about child trafficking, saying, “We got a half a million children who were sex trafficked into this country, separated from their families, put in the hands of criminal cartels to be smuggled into the country. This administration can't find over 300,000. Where's the tears for them?” His remarks sparked further debate, with some defending Gomez and others condemning her stance.
Despite the backlash, Gomez has a long history of advocating for immigrant rights. In 2019, she produced the Netflix documentary Living Undocumented and wrote an essay for Time detailing her family’s experience with immigration. She revealed that her aunt and paternal grandparents were undocumented before becoming U.S. citizens. “Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day,” she wrote, expressing fear for those in similar situations.
Trump’s latest immigration orders have left many immigrant families in limbo. His administration has reinstated the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy, and the sudden shutdown of the CBP One app has left asylum seekers stranded. Additionally, an executive order revoking birthright citizenship is set to take effect in February, though it is already facing legal challenges.
As deportations continue, the Mexican government is preparing for an influx of returnees. Officials expect thousands to be sent back in the coming weeks as the crackdown intensifies. Reports indicate that ICE is targeting multiple cities per week, with raids already underway in Chicago, New York City, and Aurora, Colorado.
Though Gomez has not made further statements, her brief post has sparked a national conversation on immigration, empathy, and the treatment of undocumented migrants in the U.S.
