Selena Gomez Breaks Down in Emotional Video Over Deportation Crackdown: “All My People Are Getting Attacked”

In a raw and emotional moment, pop star and actress Selena Gomez took to Instagram on January 27, 2025, to address the latest wave of deportations under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The now-deleted video showed Gomez visibly distraught as she shared her heartbreak over the plight of immigrants, particularly children, affected by the ongoing immigration policies.

Selena Speaks Out: “All My People Are Getting Attacked”

Through tears, Gomez, 32, apologized to her followers, expressing feelings of helplessness. “All my people are getting attacked—the children. I don’t understand,” she said. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I’ll try everything, I promise.” The video, which included a caption with a Mexican flag emoji, quickly went viral before she deleted it.

Selena Gomez shares new Instagram story crying amid the deportation of Mexicans:

“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

— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2025

In a follow-up post, Gomez addressed the backlash she received for the video, writing, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” The comment sparked an online debate, with fans rallying to support her, while critics argued over her involvement in political issues.

Selena Gomez has deleted her emotional video crying due to Mexicans getting deported:

“Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people” pic.twitter.com/ayTCwlxZFz

— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 27, 2025

A Legacy of Advocacy for Immigrants

Selena Gomez is no stranger to immigration activism. The singer, whose family has deep ties to the Mexican immigrant experience, has been vocal about these issues for years. Her family’s story dates back to the 1970s when her aunt crossed the border from Mexico in the back of a truck. Her grandparents followed, seeking a better life in the United States. Gomez’s father was born in Texas, and she credits her family’s sacrifices and bravery for where she is today.

In 2019, Gomez produced the Netflix documentary series Living Undocumented, which shed light on the struggles of undocumented families in the U.S. The series humanized the immigration debate, giving a face and voice to those living in fear of deportation. In an op-ed for TIME magazine that same year, she wrote passionately about her family’s story and her commitment to helping others in similar situations.

Gomez’s activism extends beyond her personal connections. In 2017, she publicly supported the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on Instagram, and in 2018, she profiled immigration advocate Cristina Jiménez for TIME. Her platform has consistently been used to amplify the voices of immigrants and call attention to their struggles.

The Backlash: Empathy Under Fire

Despite her good intentions, Gomez’s emotional display didn’t resonate with everyone. Critics accused her of dramatizing the situation or overstepping her role as a public figure. However, her fans and many in the immigrant community praised her for speaking out and using her platform to highlight an issue often overlooked by those in Hollywood.

One Twitter user wrote, “Selena Gomez is brave for showing her emotions and standing up for what’s right. Empathy isn’t weakness; it’s humanity.” Another commented, “She’s using her privilege to fight for people without a voice. We need more people like Selena.”

Deportation Crackdown: The Context

The emotional video came in response to a recent nationwide immigration crackdown announced by President Trump. On January 26, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out operations resulting in the arrest of 956 individuals, marking one of the largest immigration enforcement actions in years. The policies have drawn criticism for tearing families apart and targeting vulnerable communities, sparking protests across the country.

For Gomez, the issue feels deeply personal, as it directly impacts people with similar backgrounds to her own. The singer’s message highlighted not only the human toll of these policies but also the emotional weight carried by those who feel powerless to help.

Moving Forward: Selena’s Promise to Immigrants

Despite the controversy surrounding her posts, Selena Gomez remains undeterred. In her own words, she vowed to “try everything” to make a difference. While specific plans remain unclear, her history of activism and commitment to immigrant rights suggests she will continue to use her influence to advocate for change.

As the immigration debate intensifies, Gomez’s emotional video serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and the importance of using one’s voice to stand up for the marginalized. Whether through documentaries, public statements, or heartfelt posts, Selena Gomez’s message remains clear: the fight for immigrant rights is far from over.