Selena Gomez expressed deep emotions over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, only to later delete her posts after facing backlash. As Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration take effect, many, including Gomez, are voicing concerns.
The actor and singer took to Instagram on Monday to share a tearful message seemingly addressing the situation.
In her now-deleted Instagram Story, captioned “I’m sorry” with a Mexican flag emoji, Gomez appeared visibly emotional. She said through sobs, “All my people are being 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.”
Following the video, Selena shared another post with a black background and the words, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” which was also deleted shortly after. These posts sparked mixed reactions, with some praising her for speaking out while others, including conservative figures like Tomi Lahren, mocked her message. Online trolls went as far as calling for Gomez to be “deported,” and her video became a talking point on Fox News.
Selena has not commented further, but this is not the first time she has addressed immigration issues. As a descendant of Mexican immigrants—her paternal grandparents immigrated from Mexico—Gomez has used her platform to highlight the struggles of undocumented families. In 2019, she produced the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented, which shed light on the harsh realities faced by immigrant families in the U.S.
She also previously wrote an op-ed for Time, where she shared her concerns. “I’m worried about the way people are being treated in my country. As a Mexican-American woman, I feel a responsibility to use my platform to be a voice for people who are too afraid to speak,” she wrote.
While Gomez’s recent video did not explicitly reference Trump or his immigration orders, the timing aligns with growing concerns following his inauguration and the introduction of policies aimed at mass deportations. Recent reports indicate that Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested over 1,000 individuals in nationwide raids, with an additional 956 detained on Sunday, January 26. Trump’s administration has also suspended asylum claims along the southern border, further exacerbating fears among immigrant communities.
Selena’s emotional message underscores her solidarity with affected communities, even as the backlash reveals the polarizing nature of immigration debates.