Yesterday (27 January), Mexican-American actress Selena Gomez shared an emotional video reacting to Donald Trump’s newly-introduced immigration policies.

The clip has since drawn criticism, including a sharp remark from Republican Senate candidate Sam Parker, who even suggested Gomez should be deported to Mexico.

The controversy began when Gomez, 32, posted a tearful video discussing Trump’s recent executive orders, many of which target immigration. In the since-deleted video, the third-generation Mexican-American actress broke down as she spoke about the impact of the policies.

“All my people are being attacked—the children,” she sobbed. “I don’t understand. I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something, but I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise.”

Trump, 78, who made history as the first convicted felon to assume the presidency, had announced during his inauguration speech on 20 January plans to curb illegal immigration and deport millions.

“And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came,” Trump declared, reinforcing his administration’s aim to “restore” America.

One of the executive orders also included a plan to eliminate birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, a measure Trump described as essential for national restoration.

However, Gomez’s heartfelt reaction did not sit well with everyone. Her post drew backlash from both Republican voters and even some first- and second-generation immigrants, forcing her to remove the video. She later addressed the criticism on her Instagram story, writing, “Apparently it’s not okay to show empathy for people.”

Among her critics was Sam Parker, a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate from Utah in 2018. Parker targeted Gomez directly on X (formerly Twitter), sharing her video alongside references to her Mexican heritage.

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?pic.twitter.com/yTXlwtckwH pic.twitter.com/2UR6FY8d5i

— Sam Parker 🇺🇸🧯 (@BasedSamParker) January 27, 2025

Parker later doubled down, sharing a follow-up post reading simply, “Deport Selena Gomez.”

Gomez, however, was quick to clap back. Taking to Instagram once again, she responded with a biting remark: “Oh, Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat.”

Trump’s policies, including the proposed end to birthright citizenship, have faced significant legal and public opposition. Under current law, anyone born in the United States is automatically granted citizenship, regardless of their parents’ status.

Experts have warned about the ramifications of ending this principle. The Migration Policy Institute and Pennsylvania State University revealed that such a move would increase the population of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. by 4.7 million by 2050.

A District Court Judge in Seattle also called the proposed changes to birthright citizenship “blatantly unconstitutional,” issuing an injunction to block the executive order from taking full effect while awaiting further legal challenges.

Despite these setbacks, Trump’s administration remains adamant. A spokesperson recently stated that they are prepared to “vigorously defend” the proposed measures in court.