As the U.S. government ramps up immigration enforcement under new executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, tensions rise over the treatment of undocumented individuals. Selena Gomez, known for her vocal support of immigrant communities, posted an emotional video addressing the issue but later faced sharp criticism. This article delves into the recent executive orders and the broader implications of Gomez’s social media response.
Securing Borders: Trump’s Bold Executive Order on Undocumented Arrests
In a sweeping move to address border security, soon after the 2025 Inauguration, President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime. Among these was the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of a national emergency at the southern border. The orders also expanded the scope of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, leading to the arrests of thousands of undocumented individuals across the United States.
ICE recently reported over 1,100 arrests in a single operation, with cities like Newark, Miami, Austin, and Chicago being key areas of focus. These arrests targeted individuals with criminal records who entered the country illegally. Trump’s executive orders were designed to dismantle criminal networks, reduce drug trafficking, and address the human trafficking crisis that has plagued border regions.
Tom Homan, Trump’s former border czar, praised the intensified efforts, stating, “Overdose rates from fentanyl are going to drop, illegal alien crime is going to drop, and sex trafficking of women and children is going to drop. It’s worth the investment to secure this nation.”
Homan also emphasized the importance of national sovereignty, highlighting the devastating consequences of the Biden administration’s more lenient border policies, including over 2.2 million known “gotaways” who entered the country during his term. Trump’s new policies aim to reverse this trend and restore control to the USA at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Selena Gomez’s Emotional Plea and the Public Backlash
Amid the heightened immigration enforcement, pop star and actress Selena Gomez took to social media to express her distress over the situation. Gomez, whose paternal grandparents were undocumented immigrants from Mexico, posted a tearful video to her Instagram Story. In the video, she lamented, “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.”
The post was captioned “I’m sorry” alongside a Mexican flag emoji, showing her solidarity with immigrant communities. However, Gomez quickly deleted the post, along with a follow-up statement where she wrote, “Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people.”
While her fans largely praised her compassion, Gomez faced backlash from political commentators, including former border czar Tom Homan, who questioned her priorities. “Where are the tears for the half a million children who were sex trafficked into this country, separated from their families, and put in the hands of criminal cartels?” Homan asked. He also pointed out the devastation caused by fentanyl overdoses and the suffering of families who lost loved ones to crimes committed by undocumented individuals.
Critics argued that celebrities like Gomez have the platform to advocate for lawful immigration rather than focusing solely on the plight of undocumented individuals. They emphasized the importance of supporting policies that deter illegal activity while encouraging pathways to legal immigration.
Takeaway: Embracing National Sovereignty and the American Dream
The United States has long been a beacon of hope and opportunity for people around the world, but maintaining that promise requires a balance between compassion and law enforcement. National sovereignty is essential to ensuring the safety and prosperity of all citizens, documented or not.
For those aspiring to live the American Dream, legal immigration remains the most viable and sustainable pathway. Celebrities and public figures, with their influential platforms, should encourage friends, family, and followers to pursue documentation. By doing so, immigrants can fully participate in the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
While Selena Gomez’s compassion for immigrant communities is commendable, it is equally important to recognize the broader context of immigration policy. Securing borders and dismantling criminal networks not only protects citizens but also creates a safer environment for those seeking to build a better life in the United States. By advocating for lawful immigration, we can preserve the values that make America a land of opportunity for all.
View the deleted video here: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2025/01/27/selena-gomez-cries-trump-immigration-deportation/77978030007/