Selena Gomez has responded after being threatened with deportation by former U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker.
The backlash began after Gomez shared an emotional Instagram video addressing the escalating number of migrant arrests under the Trump administration. In the video, she expressed her distress over the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which have intensified following President Trump’s return to office.
Emotional Video Highlights Gomez’s Concerns for Immigrants
“I’m so sorry,” Gomez said through tears. “I don’t understand. I wish I could do something, but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. My people are being attacked, and it’s devastating.”
The actress, who is of Mexican descent on her father’s side, was visibly shaken as she continued, “All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand.”
In the aftermath of the video, Gomez pledged to do everything in her power to support her community but soon deleted the post. She followed it up with a message on Instagram that read, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.”
Backlash and Deportation Threat
Gomez’s video garnered a range of reactions, with some praising her for using her platform to raise awareness, while others criticized her stance.
Among the critics was politician Sam Parker, who ran for U.S. Senate in Utah in 2018. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to call for the deportation of Gomez, accusing her of siding with undocumented immigrants over the interests of America.
Selena Gomez responds to U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker calling for her to be ‘deported’:
“Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.” pic.twitter.com/ObzjSvdVi4
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 28, 2025
“Deport Selena Gomez,” Parker wrote, later adding, “Selena Gomez picked illegals over America b/c she’s the 3rd gen descendent of Mexican illegals who received citizenship in the ‘87 Amnesty. She has an entitlement attitude toward America, like her illegal g’parents. Maybe Selena should be deported, too?”
In response, Gomez addressed Parker’s comments with a mix of sarcasm and defiance. She posted on Instagram, “Oh Mr Parker, Mr Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
Selena Gomez responds to U.S. Senate candidate Sam Parker calling for her to be ‘deported’:
“Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.” pic.twitter.com/ObzjSvdVi4
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 28, 2025
Parker’s comments, including on his now-deleted posts that mocked Gomez’s emotional reaction, sparked further controversy. In one post (via MailOnline), he wrote, “Inject their tears into my VEINS. I dragged Selena Gomez pretty hard today,” followed by another post that declared, “American Nationalism is back. With a little boost from Selena Gomez.”
Immigration Policies Under Trump
The feud comes amid a broader political debate surrounding immigration policy in the U.S. Since Trump’s re-election, the number of deportations and arrests has surged, with ICE reporting 1,179 arrests on a recent Sunday, surpassing the 956 arrests made the previous Sunday.
Many of these arrests have been linked to Trump’s executive orders, which aim to strengthen immigration enforcement. One such order seeks to end birthright citizenship, a move that has faced significant opposition, including legal challenges from 22 states.
Gomez – who currently stars as Mabel Mora in the ongoing hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building – has long been an advocate for immigrant rights. In 2019, she produced the documentary Living Undocumented and penned an essay for Time reflecting on her family’s history with immigration. In the piece, she discussed her gratitude for being born in the U.S. but also expressed fear for those in similar situations.
“Undocumented immigration is an issue I think about every day, and I never forget how blessed I am to have been born in this country thanks to my family and the grace of circumstance,” she wrote. She also acknowledged her lack of expertise on the issue but emphasized that the U.S. is a nation built by immigrants.
While the controversy surrounding Gomez and Parker has put a spotlight on the issue of immigration, it also highlights the broader division in American politics. Gomez’s support for undocumented immigrants reflects the values of compassion and empathy, while Parker’s rhetoric exemplifies the ongoing tensions surrounding national identity and immigration enforcement.
Gomez has maintained a successful career in entertainment, with her ongoing relationship with Disney and her recent appearances in projects like Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. Despite the political tensions, she remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world, advocating for her beliefs and using her platform to make her voice heard.
Do you think Selena Gomez is in the right here?
Yes! This country was built by immigrants.
Selena Gomez’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.3 billion.
If Selena wants these folks here so badly, Selena can house, feed, clothe and educate these illegal aliens on HER dime not the American taxpayer’s.
Besides, Selena was born Grand Prairie, Texas and NOT Latin or Central America.
Selena is an Italian / Mexican PANDERER!
Data from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) showed that nearly 650,000 criminal illegal aliens were on ICE’s Non-Detained Docket as of July 2024.
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Also, in Fiscal Year 2024, there were 17,048 arrests of criminal noncitizens. These arrests included various offenses such as assault, burglary, driving under the influence, and illegal drug possession.
They need to go back to where they came from!
Come back legally if they want!
SHE WAS SO STUPID TO POST ON INSTAGRAM HER OUTRAGE CRYING AND CONCERN OVER ILLEGALS IN THIS COUNTRY THST CAUSE HARM TO AMERICA!!!
She should be deported herself and go join them if she feels that way so we don’t have to see this crap on the news or social media again how stupid so leave