Selena Gomez recently made headlines with an emotional video that she posted on her Instagram Story. The singer and actress broke down in tears while addressing the immigration crackdown by former US President Donald Trump’s administration. Though she later deleted the video, it sparked widespread discussion online—some praised her empathy, while others questioned her intentions. Here’s everything you need to know about this incident, its context, and its impact.
What Happened? Why is Selena Gomez Crying?
On January 27, 2025, Selena Gomez, the 32-year-old pop star and actress, shared a heartfelt video on her Instagram Story. Visibly emotional, she 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. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”
Along with the video, she added the caption “I’m sorry” with a Mexican flag emoji. The post was likely in response to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests, which had escalated over the weekend. Reports revealed that 956 individuals were detained in the largest ICE operation since Trump’s return to office.
Soon after posting the video, Selena deleted it, following backlash and criticism online. She later wrote on her Instagram Story:
“Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”
Selena Gomez and Her Connection to Immigration Issues
Selena Gomez has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. Her personal connection to the issue makes her stance even more significant. In a 2019 op-ed for TIME magazine, she revealed her family’s immigration story:
- Her grandparents crossed the US-Mexico border in the 1970s.
- Her father was born in Texas after the family settled in the United States.
- She credits her family’s courage and sacrifices for her opportunities today.
In the same year, Selena produced the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented. The series highlighted the struggles of undocumented families living in the US, offering a raw and emotional glimpse into their lives.
The Backlash and Trolls
While many fans applauded Selena’s emotional post, others criticized her, accusing her of seeking attention. Some of the comments included:
- “Wait. Camera is off a bit. Reset it. Okay. QUIET! Take two. Annnnnd ACTION!”
- “Why don’t they ever cry for the victims of human trafficking?”
- “She could go with them and support them?”
These reactions highlight the divisive nature of social media and public figures speaking out on sensitive issues.
Trump’s Immigration Policies: A Quick Overview
Trump’s immigration policies have always been a topic of debate. His administration has emphasized stricter enforcement and border security. Here’s a quick snapshot of the key points:
Policy/Action | Details |
ICE Crackdowns | Massive raids and arrests targeting undocumented immigrants. |
Border Wall | Expansion of the US-Mexico border wall. |
Family Separations | Controversial policy that separated children from their parents at the border. |
DACA | Attempts to end protections for Dreamers (young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children). |
The Human Side of Immigration
The emotional weight of immigration crackdowns is often obscured by statistics and policy debates. Selena’s poignant video serves as a stark reminder that behind these numbers are real people grappling with immense hardship. Families are torn apart, leaving children to bear the trauma of separation and entire communities to live under the constant shadow of fear. The repercussions extend far beyond immediate displacement; they leave lasting scars on individuals, families, and societies as a whole.
As a global icon with millions of followers, Selena Gomez has the platform to raise awareness about these issues. While critics may question her intentions, her advocacy shines a light on the plight of immigrants.
Celebrity Advocacy: Does It Make a Difference?
Selena’s video raises a broader question: Do celebrities make a difference when they speak out on social issues?
Pros:
- Massive Reach: Celebrities can amplify causes to millions of people.
- Inspiring Action: Fans often follow their idols’ lead, whether it’s donating to a cause or signing petitions.
Cons:
- Backlash: Public figures often face criticism and trolling.
- Questioning Intentions: People may doubt whether their advocacy is genuine.
Why Selena Gomez Crying Post Was Deleted?
Selena likely deleted the video due to the overwhelming backlash. Social media can be a harsh space for celebrities, and the criticism might have been too much to handle. However, her subsequent statement—“Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people”—shows that she stands by her message.
Selena’s emotional video serves as a reminder of the power of empathy. Regardless of where one stands politically, it’s essential to remember the human aspect of policies and their impact.
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If Selena’s story moved you, here are some ways to make a difference:
- Support Organizations: Donate to groups like RAICES, ACLU, or United We Dream.
- Stay Informed: Follow reliable news sources for updates on immigration issues.
- Advocate: Write to your local representatives and demand humane policies.
- Volunteer: Offer your time to organizations helping immigrants and refugees.
FAQs
1. Why did Selena Gomez delete her video?
Selena likely deleted her video due to backlash and criticism on social media, but she later defended her stance by saying, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”
2. What is Selena Gomez’s connection to immigration issues?
Selena’s grandparents were immigrants who crossed the US-Mexico border in the 1970s. She has also produced the Netflix docuseries Living Undocumented and written about the topic in TIME magazine.
3. What was the ICE operation that sparked Selena’s video?
The ICE operation involved the arrest of 956 individuals over a weekend, marking the largest crackdown since Trump returned to office.
4. How can I help support immigrant rights?
You can donate to organizations like RAICES or ACLU, stay informed, volunteer, or advocate for humane policies by contacting your representatives.
Selena Gomez crying video post may have been brief and emotional, but it has reignited conversations about immigration and the role of celebrities in advocacy. Whether you agree with her or not, the issues she highlighted deserve attention and action. Follow our page for more interesting stories.