Selena Gomez is taking a stand after a Republican politician suggested she should be deported following her tearful video addressing immigration issues in the U.S.

The Only Murders in the Building star, 32, responded to Sam Parker, a 2018 Republican Senate candidate from Utah, who criticized her on X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, “Deport Selena Gomez.” In a sharp Instagram Story reply, Gomez wrote, “Oh, Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat,” over a black background.

This exchange followed a since-deleted Instagram Story where Gomez emotionally reacted to President Donald Trump’s recent immigration crackdown. In the video, the actress and singer appeared visibly upset and wrote “I’m sorry” along with an emoji of the Mexican flag.

“All my people are getting attacked, the children,” she said through tears. “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 later posted another statement, writing, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people,” addressing the backlash.

Gomez's Family Ties to Immigration
Gomez’s emotional reaction to immigration issues is deeply personal. In a 2019 op-ed for Time, she revealed that her family has direct experiences with immigration. Her aunt was the first in her family to cross the border from Mexico to the U.S. in the 1970s, followed by her grandparents. Her father was born in Texas soon after.

“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.

However, Gomez has also acknowledged the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants who don’t share her family’s outcome. “When I read the news headlines or see debates about immigration rage on social media, I feel afraid for those in similar situations. I feel afraid for my country,” she wrote in the op-ed.

Activism Through Storytelling
Gomez, known for her roles in Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building, has used her platform to amplify stories about immigration. In 2019, she served as an executive producer for Netflix’s docuseries Living Undocumented, which followed the lives of several undocumented families navigating the U.S. immigration system.

At the time, Gomez explained why she felt compelled to produce the series, sharing, “It’s about human lives, real people, and families being torn apart. This is something I deeply care about.”

Political Backdrop
Gomez’s video came shortly after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the largest single-day deportation numbers under President Trump’s administration, with 956 people arrested in one day. According to ICE figures, more than 1.5 million deportations were executed during President Joe Biden’s first four years, echoing the numbers seen under Trump’s first term.

Gomez’s latest posts highlight her commitment to immigration advocacy, a cause she has championed throughout her career. While her response to the criticism was brief, it was a powerful reminder of her dedication to using her voice for those who can’t.

“Empathy isn’t a weakness,” Gomez seemed to imply. “It’s a strength.”

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