A video capturing pop star and actress Selena Gomez breaking down in tears while discussing deportations has resurfaced across social media platforms, coinciding with escalating anxieties surrounding immigration enforcement measures. The emotional clip, originally shared by Gomez on her Instagram Story in January, shows the 33-year-old artist sobbing as she reacts to former President Donald Trump's threats of mass deportations targeting undocumented immigrants in the United States.
Original Outburst and Immediate Backlash
In the poignant video, Gomez expressed profound distress, stating, '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.' She accompanied the post with a caption reading 'I'm sorry' alongside a Mexican flag symbol. The Rare Beauty founder's display of empathy was met with a torrent of criticism at the time, with numerous social media users labelling her as 'shallow' and 'narcissistic'. Many commentators questioned why she did not utilise her substantial reported net worth of $1.3 billion to take concrete action instead of posting an emotional video.
Deletion and Defence
Facing this intense backlash, Gomez promptly removed the video from her profile. Shortly afterwards, she shared a follow-up message that read: 'Apparently it's not ok to show empathy for people.' This defensive post highlighted the challenging position public figures often find themselves in when commenting on politically charged issues, where expressions of concern can be scrutinised and dismissed as performative.
Resurgence on Reddit and Shifting Perspectives
The video has recently been reposted on Reddit, where it has ignited fresh discussion. Users on the platform expressed horror at the initial mocking reception the clip received, particularly given renewed concerns about contemporary immigration policies. One Reddit post noted, 'Selena Gomez made a video calling out ICE a year ago, and everyone laughed and turned it into a meme,' prompting a flood of reflective comments.
Several users recalled the hostile environment, with one stating, 'Chronically online weirdos criticized her for "being cringe," and Republicans threatened her with deportation.' Others pointed to Gomez's broader advocacy efforts, mentioning her role as a producer for the 2019 Netflix documentary Living Undocumented, which depicted the struggles of eight undocumented immigrant families during Trump's first administration.
User Sympathy and Broader Commentary
The resurfaced video has garnered significant sympathy from many online commentators. One Reddit user shared, 'It's clear that Selena was right about everything. I've always been on her side. She's suffered and knows what suffering means.' Another user articulated a common sentiment regarding the dilemma faced by celebrities: 'I feel for celebs in these positions. If they don't speak up, people yell that they're complicit. If they do speak up, people mock them as insincere. They can't win.'
Further comments highlighted the personal resonance of Gomez's emotional reaction. One individual wrote about the experience of having genuine concerns dismissed, stating people are often told to 'stop being so dramatic' or accused of 'falling for conspiracy theories,' even when their fears are justified.
Political and Public Figures' Reactions
The original video provoked a fierce response from Republican figures and MAGA supporters. US Senate candidate Sam Parker called for Gomez herself to be deported following her emotional post. The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, also mocked the actress. Leavitt shared a video featuring family members of individuals allegedly killed by convicted undocumented migrants, directly tagging Gomez.
In that clip, Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was a victim, addressed Gomez saying, 'You don't know who you're crying for... What about our children who were brutally murdered, and raped and beat to death and left on the floor by these illegal immigrants?'
Criticism from Public Personalities
Former Miss California and Miss USA runner-up Carrie Prejean Boller also criticised Gomez, suggesting a more direct form of action. Boller wrote, 'Hey Selena Gomez, how about you call all of "your people" you're crying about being deported and invite them to stay at your mansion behind your big walls and gates until they leave?... Have them over for dinner, feed them, bathe them, let them sleep in your home, pay for their schooling and medical bills. You could have helped them and you have not and will not.'
Broader Immigration Context
The resurfacing of Gomez's video occurs against a backdrop of ongoing controversy and tragedy linked to immigration enforcement. Recently, ICE agents shot and killed American citizen Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse, in Minneapolis. This incident followed weeks of unrest in the city after the killing of anti-ICE protester Renee Good, a mother of three. Former President Trump has seemingly distanced himself from the shooting, deploying border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to report directly to him, a move perceived as sidelining Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem after disputed claims about the circumstances of Pretti's death.
The renewed attention on Selena Gomez's tearful video underscores the persistent and volatile nature of immigration debates, the complex role of celebrity activism, and how public perception of such interventions can evolve over time amidst changing political climates.
