Selena Gomez Faces Backlash Over Emotional Immigration Video: White House Responds

Selena Gomez has once again found herself at the center of a political firestorm, this time over a now-deleted Instagram video in which she tearfully expressed concern over the deportation of undocumented immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The video, which was initially posted to her Instagram Story, showed Gomez visibly upset, saying she wished she could do more to help immigrants facing deportation. However, the post quickly drew criticism from conservative figures, leading her to remove it within hours.

The White House Responds

The controversy escalated further when the Trump administration released a video on Friday, January 31, 2025, titled “Moms of Victims of Illegal Aliens SLAM Selena Gomez: You Didn’t Cry for Our Daughters.” The official White House production included clips from Gomez’s emotional Instagram post, juxtaposed with reactions from three women whose children were allegedly killed by undocumented individuals.

In the White House’s video, Alexis Nungaray commented, “Seeing that video, it’s actually hard to believe that it’s genuine and real, because she’s an actress.” Another woman, Tammy Nobles, expressed her support for President Trump, saying, “I am so happy that Trump won. I’m so glad that this is one of the first bills to help with immigration.” However, the video itself does not specify which bill she was referring to.

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A third woman, Patty Morin, went even further, accusing Gomez of “a ruse to deceive people and to garner sympathy for lawlessness.”

Selena Gomez’s Response and Her Stance on Immigration

Though she deleted her original video, Gomez followed up with a statement on social media: “Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people.” She has not directly responded to the White House’s video or the criticism from conservative media.

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For years, Selena Gomez has been an outspoken advocate for immigrant rights, particularly given her own background. Born on July 22, 1992, Gomez, now 32 years old, is of Mexican American heritage. Her father, Ricardo Joel Gomez, is of Mexican descent, and her mother, Mandy Teefey, is of Italian descent. Growing up in Texas, she has often spoken about the struggles of immigrants in the U.S.

During the L.A. premiere of her Oscar-nominated musical “Emilia Perez” in October 2024, Gomez told Variety that she “definitely wants to stand by my people.” Her comments were in response to comedian Tony Hinchcliffe’s racist remarks about Puerto Rico at a Trump rally in New York.

Trump’s Immigration Policies and The Laken Riley Act

Since returning to office, President Trump has aggressively pursued immigration enforcement, fulfilling one of his primary campaign promises. On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, he signed the Laken Riley Act into law, increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes in the U.S. Additionally, Trump has ordered that a detention facility in Guantanamo Bay be used to house detained migrants.

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However, immigration statistics tell a different story. A Texas Department of Public Safety study in 2024 found that undocumented immigrants have the lowest felony crime and violent felony crime rates compared to other demographic groups. This data directly contradicts the claims made in the White House’s video against Gomez.

Selena Gomez’s Influence and Net Worth in 2025

Despite the controversy, Selena Gomez remains one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry. She has a massive global following, with over 450 million Instagram followers, making her one of the most-followed people on the platform.

As of 2025, Selena Gomez’s net worth is estimated at $95 million, thanks to her success in music, acting, and business ventures, including her popular Rare Beauty cosmetics line. Beyond her entertainment career, she has used her platform to advocate for mental health, immigrant rights, and various humanitarian causes.

The Impact of This Controversy

This isn’t the first time Gomez has faced criticism for speaking out on social issues, and it likely won’t be the last. While her detractors argue that she is using her celebrity status to push a political agenda, her supporters see her as an artist using her platform for good.

At a time when immigration remains a deeply divisive issue in America, her emotional reaction and subsequent criticism highlight the wider debate on empathy, activism, and the role of celebrities in politics. For many, her willingness to speak out—despite the backlash—is a testament to her commitment to social justice.

However, the White House’s response also underscores how celebrities who take political stances—especially those that conflict with Trump’s policies—are now facing direct government pushback in a way that is becoming increasingly normalized.

What’s Next for Selena Gomez?

While she has remained relatively quiet since deleting the original video, it’s unclear if Gomez will address the controversy in greater depth. Given her history of advocacy, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her continue supporting immigrant rights groups or using her influence to drive attention to humanitarian efforts.

As for her career, she’s riding high after the success of “Emilia Perez,” which is expected to be a major contender at the 2025 Academy Awards. Meanwhile, fans eagerly await new music and future projects from the multi-talented star.

Whether you agree with Selena Gomez’s stance or not, there’s no denying the massive impact celebrities have on social and political issues. In today’s polarized climate, speaking out comes with consequences—but it also sparks conversations that might not otherwise happen.

The question remains: Should celebrities use their platforms to advocate for social justice, or should they stay out of politics altogether? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.