Selena Gomez Shares Emotional Response to Mass Deportations Under Trump
Selena Gomez has shared a deeply emotional reaction to the mass deportations of undocumented migrants ordered by President Donald Trump.
The 32-year-old musician, whose father is of Mexican descent, broke down in tears in a now-deleted video posted to her Instagram Stories.
In the clip, Gomez expressed her devastation over the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, during which 956 people were arrested in major cities over a three-day period under Trump’s latest immigration policy, according to the BBC.
“I’m so sorry. My people are being attacked,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “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 video also included a text overlay in which Gomez simply wrote, “I’m sorry,” accompanied by a Mexican flag emoji.
Although the clip was quickly deleted, it sparked backlash from some right-wing critics.
In a follow-up post, Gomez addressed the criticism, writing: “Apparently, it’s not okay to show empathy for people.”
One particularly extreme response came from U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker, who took to X (formerly Twitter) with a shocking remark: “Deport Selena Gomez.”
The suggestion was both absurd and inaccurate, as the former Disney Channel star is a U.S.-born citizen from Texas.
Parker later doubled down on his comments, sharing an Instagram post in which he boasted about his remarks and described himself as being in a “war against a bunch of r******* Selena Gomez fans.”
Conclusion
Selena Gomez’s emotional response to the mass deportations under Trump’s immigration policy highlights the deeply personal and painful impact of such actions, especially for those with close ties to immigrant communities. Her tearful plea reflected not only her own heartbreak but also the anguish felt by countless families affected by these raids. By using her platform to express empathy and concern, Gomez brought attention to an issue that remains highly contentious in the United States.
However, her reaction also sparked controversy, exposing the stark political and ideological divisions surrounding immigration. The backlash she faced, particularly from right-wing figures like Senate candidate Sam Parker, underscores the growing trend of dismissing or attacking public figures who speak out on humanitarian issues. The suggestion that a U.S.-born citizen should be deported simply for expressing compassion reveals how polarized and hostile the immigration debate has become.
Gomez’s response to the criticism—pointing out that showing empathy should not be controversial—raises an important question about society’s ability to engage in meaningful discourse. In a time when public figures are increasingly scrutinized for their opinions, her experience serves as a reminder of the risks that come with advocating for marginalized communities. Despite the backlash, her willingness to use her influence to shed light on the suffering of others remains significant.
More broadly, this situation reflects a larger struggle over immigration policy in the U.S. While some view strict enforcement as necessary for national security and rule of law, others argue for a more compassionate approach that recognizes the humanity of those affected. Gomez’s tearful video may have been brief, but its impact sparked widespread discussion, demonstrating how powerful an emotional response can be in shaping public conversations on important social issues.
As debates over immigration continue, Gomez’s reaction serves as a poignant reminder that behind every policy are real people—families, children, and individuals whose lives are profoundly affected. Whether one agrees with her stance or not, her emotional plea exemplifies the power of empathy in a world where such compassion is often met with hostility.
