Selena Gomez expressed her deep emotions on Instagram regarding the recent deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly highlighting the impact on children. In an emotional video shared early Monday, the actress and singer broke down in tears, saying, “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.”
Her heartfelt message was met with mixed reactions, particularly from Trump supporters, leading to its subsequent removal from her platform. As a third-generation Mexican-American, Gomez commented on the backlash, stating, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
This emotional plea comes at a time when Hollywood has been largely silent about immigration issues, which have taken a front seat with recent nationwide roundups of over 1,200 undocumented immigrants by ICE agents. The operation primarily targeted individuals who faced criminal charges or convictions in the U.S., labeling those arrested as “criminal aliens.”
Selena Gomez has a history of advocacy for immigration reform, notably penning an essay for Time magazine where she articulated her daily concern about undocumented immigration. She stated, “I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country.” Furthermore, she produced the Netflix documentary “Living Undocumented” in 2019, where she aimed to bring awareness to the struggles faced by immigrant families.
The vulnerability shown by Gomez underscores the emotional toll that immigration policies have on both individuals and their communities. Her commitment to advocacy serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in discussions surrounding immigration. In an increasingly polarized atmosphere, her willingness to articulate these concerns may inspire others to engage on the issue with empathy and care.
Gomez’s actions exemplify how public figures can use their platforms to advocate for change and promote awareness about pressing societal challenges. This could motivate more individuals to speak out and foster a culture of understanding towards those impacted by similar policies.