Selena Gomez is facing backlash and support after posting an emotional video expressing her distress over the recent immigration policies enforced by former President Donald Trump. In a heartfelt Instagram clip, which she later deleted, Gomez shared her sorrow about the ongoing deportations, 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” HuffPost.

The video quickly went viral, drawing praise from her fans and criticism from Trump supporters. Sam Parker, a failed Republican Senate candidate, took to social media to mock Gomez, suggesting she should be deported. In response, Gomez shot back, “Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat,” while reminding her audience of her American citizenship, being a third-generation Mexican American USA Today.

Gomez's initial video came in the wake of Trump’s administration ramping up deportation efforts, with reports indicating that over 1,200 undocumented immigrants were being targeted daily. Critics of her compassion argued that celebrities should focus on practical solutions rather than emotional appeals, yet supporters emphasized the importance of acknowledging the pain these policies cause and applauded Gomez's willingness to speak out against cruelty Newsweek.

The actress and singer, who has a history of advocating for immigrant rights and produced the documentary Living Undocumented in 2019, saw her emotional stance on immigration igniting fierce discussions on social networks Salon. Many celebrities rallied to her defense, highlighting the unfortunate reality that expressing empathy could lead to mockery in today’s society. Flavor Flav was among the notable voices who stood by her, calling for support of Gomez's fortitude to speak out The Guardian.

Despite the mixed reactions, the discourse surrounding Gomez's response continues to reflect the broader conversations about immigration and empathy in America, linking her experiences as a child of immigrants to the struggles faced by undocumented families today. As public figures like Gomez take a stand, the conversation surrounding immigrant rights remains at the forefront of national dialogue.

For further details, you can read the full articles from Newsweek and HuffPost.