On January 27, 2025, singer and actress Selena Gomez shared an emotional video on Instagram, expressing her distress over recent mass deportations under President Donald Trump’s administration. In the video, Gomez, a third-generation Mexican American, tearfully apologized to affected families, stating, “I’m sorry, Mexico,” accompanied by a Mexican flag emoji, The Independent reported.
Gomez’s heartfelt message was in response to the administration’s intensified immigration policies, which have led to the deportation of over 4,000 individuals to Mexico within a week. These measures have sparked widespread concern, particularly regarding the impact on families and children.
The video elicited a mixed response from the public. While many fans praised Gomez for her empathy and willingness to use her platform to highlight the issue, others criticized her, accusing her of being overly emotional or insincere. Facing significant backlash, Gomez deleted the original video shortly after posting it. She later addressed the criticism in a subsequent Instagram Story, stating, “Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people,” CNN reported.
This incident is not the first time Gomez has spoken out on immigration issues. In 2019, she penned an op-ed for Time magazine, sharing her family’s immigration story and expressing concern over the treatment of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
She wrote, “Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance. But when I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country.
“I don’t claim to be an expert. I’m not a politician, I’m not a doctor, and I don’t work in the system at all,” she continued. “ I understand it’s flawed and that we need rules and regulations, but we also have to remember that our country was formed by people who came here from other countries.”
The recent deportations have been part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to enforce stricter immigration policies. According to reports, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in several major cities, resulting in numerous arrests and deportations, Page Six reported.
Gomez’s emotional plea has reignited discussions about the role of public figures in political discourse and the challenges they face when addressing contentious issues. While some argue that celebrities should use their platforms to advocate for social justice, others believe they should refrain from engaging in political matters.
As the debate continues, Gomez’s supporters commend her for shedding light on the human impact of immigration policies, emphasizing the importance of empathy and understanding in addressing such complex issues.
