Selena Gomez has recently found herself at the center of controversy following her tearful response to the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump's administration. The singer and actress, who has Mexican roots, posted an emotional video on January 27, 2025, where she expressed her sorrow over the deportation of her compatriots.
At the start of the video, aired on her Instagram Story, Gomez was visibly upset as she stated, "I just want to say, 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.” The heartfelt plea aimed to draw attention to the plight of Mexican migrants, who are facing increased deportation rates since Trump's return to power.
The emotional video was quickly deleted after backlash stirred by right-wing critics who accused Gomez of being overly emotional and relentless on humanitarian issues. Among those critics was Sam Parker, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, who provocatively tweeted: "Deport Selena Gomez. Selena Gomez picked illegals over America because she’s the 3rd gen descendant of Mexican illegals who received citizenship in the '87 Amnesty. She has an entitlement attitude toward America, like her illegal grandparents. Maybe Selena should be deported, too?" This comment highlighted how Gomez's empathy for immigrant issues was met with hostility rather than support.
Following Parker's remarks, Gomez struck back through her Instagram, writing, "Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat." Her response indicated she was unfazed by the hostile remarks, even as they circulated widely across social media platforms.
The situation intensified as Tom Homan, the border czar under Trump, responded to Gomez's emotional video with his own comments on Fox News, declaring, "If they don't like it, then go to Congress and change the law. We’re going to do this operation without apology.” Homan maintained the administration's focus on deporting individuals with criminal records and dismissed claims of targeting families during these raids.
Gomez's video came against the backdrop of Trump's sweeping immigration policies, which recently led to nearly 1,000 arrests across major U.S. cities due to increased operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These actions sparked fear of family separations and highlighted the growing divide over immigration issues.
Criticism from media personalities emerged swiftly. Notable conservative commentator Tomi Lahren ridiculed Gomez, noting, "This is why we don’t take our political advice from Disney child stars." Similarly, Megyn Kelly expressed her contempt over Gomez’s emotional display, describing her behavior as indicative of someone "unwell" for choosing to share her tears on social media.
Despite the backlash, Gomez's motivations remain rooted deeply within her family's history, as she herself has spoken extensively about her Mexican heritage and the struggles faced by her family in their pursuit of immigration. Gomez previously penned: "Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance. But when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country." This reflection captured the complicated emotions surrounding immigration as the U.S. faces various challenges related to the issue.
Trump's recent immigration initiatives have included executive orders aimed at tightening border security and suspending refugee applications, all framed as necessary to protect national security. The President argues for the need for strict enforcement of immigration laws to secure the country's borders, which has found numerous supporters nationwide but also significant opposition.
Gomez’s actions and advocacy shed light on the human side of immigration policy, compelling many to reconsider their perspectives. Amid rising tensions over these policies, the singer's call for empathy acts as both a challenge and invitation to rethink how immigrants, particularly from Mexico, are treated and discussed within the national narrative.
Despite the criticisms, Gomez remains undeterred. After deleting her initial emotional post, she stated on social media, "Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people." Her words highlight the need for compassion amid the increasingly polarized atmosphere surrounding immigration, reminding everyone involved of the genuine voices and stories behind immigration debates.