Selena Gomez, beloved singer and actress, is no stranger to using her platform to advocate for causes close to her heart. But her recent tearful Instagram video addressing President Donald Trump’s deportation policies has sparked both praise and criticism, igniting a fiery conversation on social media.
In the now-deleted clip, Selena broke down in tears as she reacted to Trump’s threat of mass deportations, which many fear will lead to the separation of families. For Selena, who has always been open about her family’s immigration story, this is more than just a political issue—it’s deeply personal.
Let’s unpack Selena’s emotional response, her family’s connection to the immigration debate, and the social media storm that followed.
Selena Gomez: A Personal Connection to Immigration
Selena Gomez’s ties to immigration go back generations. The 32-year-old singer, who is a third-generation Mexican-American, has always been vocal about her family’s journey to the United States.
In an October 2019 article for TIME Magazine, Selena opened up about how her family’s story shaped her perspective on immigration.
“Over the past four decades, members of my family have worked hard to gain United States citizenship,” she wrote.
Selena’s aunt crossed the border from Mexico hidden in the back of a truck in the 1970s, followed by her grandparents, Mary and Ricardo Gomez, who immigrated from Monterrey. Selena’s father, Ricardo Joel Gomez, was born in Texas shortly after.
“Fear didn’t stop my aunt from getting into the back of that truck. And for that, I will always be grateful,” she added in her TIME article.
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Her Fight for Undocumented Immigrants
Selena’s passion for immigration reform led her to executive produce the 2019 Netflix documentary series, “Living Undocumented,” which followed the lives of eight immigrant families in the U.S.
Speaking about the project, Selena shared how deeply it resonated with her:
“I watched footage outlining their deeply personal journeys, and I cried. It captured the shame, uncertainty, and fear I saw my own family struggle with.”
Despite the hardships these families face, Selena also highlighted their resilience and patriotism:
“It also captured the hope, optimism, and patriotism so many undocumented immigrants still hold in their hearts despite the hell they go through.”
The Tearful Instagram Post That Sparked Controversy
On Monday, Selena took to Instagram to share her heartbreak over the deportation policy. In the emotional video, she tearfully said:
“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 the video with a simple but powerful message:
“I’m sorry [Mexican flag emoji].”
However, Selena quickly deleted the post after facing backlash. Critics accused her of being overly emotional, while some questioned her political stance. In response, Selena shared another post, stating:
“Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
Mixed Reactions: Praise vs. Criticism
Social media was divided after Selena’s emotional video. Fans praised her for using her platform to advocate for undocumented immigrants, while others criticized her for being “too political.”
Here’s what some fans had to say:
- “Selena, thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. You’re an inspiration.”
- “She’s just speaking her truth. Immigration is a human issue, not a political one.”
Meanwhile, detractors voiced their opinions as well:
- “Celebrities need to stop crying on Instagram and actually do something.”
- “This is why people get tired of Hollywood’s political agenda.”
ICE Raids: The Sobering Reality
The timing of Selena’s video coincides with a nationwide immigration crackdown that resulted in the arrest of 956 undocumented immigrants. According to BBC, the raids took place in cities like Chicago, Newark, and Miami, with federal agencies utilizing expanded detention powers.
For Selena, these numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re families, stories, and lives being torn apart.
Selena Gomez: Famous People in Social Networks
Selena Gomez isn’t just a global superstar—she’s one of the most influential figures on social media. With over 430 million Instagram followers, she’s the most-followed woman on the platform, making her a powerful voice in the digital age.
Selena’s Social Media Power: Why She Matters
- Instagram Queen: Selena’s Instagram is a mix of personal insights, advocacy, and career updates.
- TikTok Star: Selena has also gained a massive following on TikTok, where she connects with fans through funny videos and heartfelt messages.
- Twitter Advocate: Selena uses Twitter to amplify social justice causes, often sharing resources and news about issues she’s passionate about.
How Selena’s Social Media Influences Culture
Selena’s massive reach means her posts often spark widespread conversations, whether it’s about mental health, beauty standards, or political issues.
Her involvement in “Living Undocumented” and her advocacy for immigrant rights show that she’s not afraid to use her platform for topics that matter.
How Famous People Reacted to Selena Gomez’s Advocacy and Emotional Video
Selena Gomez’s tearful video on Instagram didn’t just resonate with her fans—it also caught the attention of her famous peers, sparking reactions across social media. From Hollywood stars to fellow musicians, here’s how notable personalities responded to Selena’s emotional plea and her continued advocacy for immigration reform.
1. America Ferrera: A Powerful Show of Support
Actress and activist America Ferrera, known for her work championing immigrant rights, publicly praised Selena for using her platform to speak out.
“Selena, thank you for sharing your truth. Your voice matters, and so do the lives of every family impacted by these policies,” America wrote on Instagram, sharing Selena’s story with her own followers.
2. Demi Lovato: A Longtime Friend Speaks Out
Pop star Demi Lovato, who shares a close friendship with Selena, reposted Selena’s message and added:
“This is why I’ve always admired you, Sel. You never shy away from standing up for what’s right. Proud of you, sis.”
Demi, who has been vocal about political issues herself, emphasized that Selena’s bravery inspires others to take action.
3. Cardi B: A Fiery Instagram Comment
Rapper Cardi B, who frequently speaks out on social justice issues, jumped into the comments of Selena’s Instagram post, writing:
“That’s real s*, Selena. Don’t let anyone tell you to stop showing love for your people. We need more voices like yours!”**
Cardi later referenced Selena’s post in an Instagram Live session, encouraging her fans to educate themselves about immigration policies.
4. Eva Longoria: Standing in Solidarity
Actress and producer Eva Longoria, another prominent Mexican-American advocate, praised Selena for her courage, saying:
“It’s heartbreaking to see the stories of these families, but it’s even more powerful to see someone like Selena using her influence to help.”
Eva highlighted the importance of raising awareness for immigration reform and encouraged others to support organizations that aid immigrant families.
5. Shawn Mendes: Quiet but Meaningful
Singer Shawn Mendes showed his subtle support by liking Selena’s Instagram post and sharing her Netflix documentary, Living Undocumented, on his Instagram Stories. He added the caption:
“An important watch. Thank you, Selena, for shedding light on this issue.”
6. AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez): A Political Ally
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a fierce advocate for immigration reform, retweeted an article about Selena’s activism, adding:
“Using your platform for good is always a brave choice. Thank you, Selena, for amplifying these stories.”
AOC also mentioned Selena’s emotional video in a speech addressing the need for compassionate immigration policies, calling her “an example of someone who understands the human side of this issue.”
Who Else Weighed In?
- Jennifer Lopez: “This is why representation matters. Thank you for speaking your truth, Selena.”
- Lin-Manuel Miranda: “The stories of undocumented immigrants deserve to be heard. Thank you, Selena, for being a voice for the voiceless.”
- Camila Cabello: “Your heart is so big, Selena. Keep shining your light and speaking out for those who can’t.”
What’s Next for Selena?
Despite the criticism, Selena shows no signs of backing down. She’s proven time and again that she’s committed to being a voice for those who can’t speak and advocating for human rights.
Whether through her music, acting, or activism, Selena Gomez remains a powerful figure in both pop culture and social justice.
FAQs About Selena Gomez and Immigration Advocacy
1. Why did Selena Gomez delete her Instagram video about immigration?
She likely faced backlash for her emotional video, but she later defended herself, saying, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
2. What is Selena Gomez’s connection to immigration?
Selena’s family immigrated from Mexico in the 1970s. Her aunt crossed the border hidden in a truck, and her grandparents followed shortly after.
3. What is “Living Undocumented”?
It’s a Netflix documentary series Selena Gomez executive produced, highlighting the struggles of eight immigrant families in the U.S.
4. How does Selena use her social media for activism?
Selena often posts about social justice causes, including immigration, mental health, and women’s rights, using her massive following to spread awareness.
5. What has Selena said about her family’s immigration story?
In a TIME Magazine article, Selena shared how her family’s journey shaped her perspective, saying, “Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day.”
6. How has Selena responded to criticism about her advocacy?
Selena has remained firm in her beliefs, stating that immigration is a human issue and that she feels a responsibility to use her platform to speak up.
Selena Gomez’s emotional response to Trump’s deportation policy is a reminder that even celebrities feel the weight of political issues. Whether you agree with her or not, one thing is clear: Selena isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in.
What do you think about Selena’s video and her immigration advocacy? Let us know in the comments!
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