This was crazy.
Selena Gomez recently expressed her heartfelt concerns about the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the United States, particularly Mexican immigrants, during an emotional video on her Instagram. In the now-deleted post, the 32-year-old actress was visibly upset as she responded to former President Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportations, which have sparked fears of family separations. 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.” Gomez’s deep distress highlights the human toll of immigration policies, especially on families.
While her original video was deleted shortly after posting, Selena shared a follow-up message, expressing frustration that showing empathy for those in need was criticized. This comes amidst growing concerns over the enforcement of stricter immigration laws, including a recent nationwide immigration sweep that led to the arrest of nearly 1,000 people—an effort spearheaded by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Biden administration. These arrests occurred in major cities such as Chicago, Newark, and Miami, fueling fears of increased government overreach.
Gomez, a Texas native, has long been an advocate for immigrant rights. In 2019, she produced the Netflix documentary Living Undocumented, which highlighted the struggles of undocumented families living in the U.S. Her own family’s immigration story is deeply personal—her aunt crossed the border from Mexico in the 1970s, and her paternal grandparents followed, seeking a better life in America. Her mother, Mandy Teefey, was born in the U.S., making Selena a proud Mexican-American woman.
In a 2020 essay for Time magazine, Gomez reflected on the complexities of immigration in America. She admitted that although she is thankful for her American citizenship, the debates around immigration make her fearful—not only for those in similar situations as her family, but also for the future of the country. “Fear shouldn’t stop us from getting involved,” she urged, emphasizing the importance of educating ourselves about the issue and advocating for those without a voice.
As a strong supporter of immigrant communities, Selena has spoken out against the inhumane treatment of migrants at the border. She has expressed outrage over reports of children being held in overcrowded detention facilities, forced to sleep on concrete floors with nothing but aluminum blankets. “How is this still happening? It’s absolutely inhumane,” she wrote on Instagram in 2019.
Selena’s commitment to her heritage extends beyond her activism. She’s a proud third-generation Mexican-American, and in a speech to immigrant graduates in 2020, she proudly shared her family’s journey to America, stating that it helped shape her American identity. “Mine is not a unique story,” she said, “Each and every one of you have a unique tale of becoming an American.”
Despite facing criticism for her stance on immigration, Selena remains unwavering in her commitment to using her platform for good, reminding her followers that fear should never stop them from advocating for change and showing compassion toward those who need it most.
WATCH:
Selena Gomez shares new Instagram story crying amid the deportation of Mexicans:
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2025
“I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked. The children, I don’t understand. I wish I could do something.” pic.twitter.com/9H7ojMhpCN