“Thanks for the Laugh:” Selena Gomez Responds To Deportation Threat From Politician
Selena Gomez is speaking her truth. The “Rare” singer recently found herself in the crosshairs of a political controversy after posting an emotional video on social media, showing her sobbing over the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants happening across the US. When one politician suggested she should be “deported” for speaking out, Selena readily fired back.
It all began when the 31-year-old star shared a heartfelt, tearful video on her Instagram Stories. “My people are getting attacked,” Selena said, distraught. “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.”
Soon after the video went live, the singer-actress deleted the post as critics reacted. She then posted a follow-up message, which she also deleted, where she called out those who seemed to take issue with her compassion. “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” she wrote. But the drama didn’t end there.
Sam Parker, a politician who ran for Utah’s Senate in 2018, attacked the Only Murders in the Building actress online. In a post on X, he accused her of prioritizing the plight of undocumented immigrants over that of American citizens, citing her Mexican heritage. “She has an entitlement attitude toward America, like her illegal g’parents. Maybe Selena should be deported, too?” Parker tweeted, before adding, “Deport Selena Gomez.”
The 32-year-old responded with a sassy Instagram Story of her own—also later deleted—where she shot back at Parker’s suggestion with a dose of sarcasm. “Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker,” she wrote. “Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”
ICE Raids Shake the Nation
Over the weekend, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted massive raids, arresting nearly 1,200 people in just one day. While the crackdown targeted undocumented immigrants, a staggering 52% of those arrested had a criminal record. For those who don’t know, being undocumented is considered a civil offense, but it isn’t classified as a crime—unless someone has been deported previously and re-entered the US illegally.
Many criticized Selena for her emotional reaction, arguing that a celebrity like her with ample resources could do more to help. Others defended her, pointing out that she was one of the few celebrities who dared speak out in real time about the raids.
Television personality Geraldo Rivera, who once supported Trump, came to Selena’s defense on X, urging her critics to take a step back. “We can’t arrest our way out of our immigration crisis,” Rivera tweeted. “Selena Gomez should be commended for her compassion and sincerity. People attacking her on social media should be ashamed.”
Whether she’s clapping back at politicians or standing up for those who can’t speak for themselves, Selena proves that she’s more than just a pop star—she’s a fierce advocate for change.
