Selena Gomez found herself at the center of a heated debate just over a week after Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States. The country has witnessed the rapid roll-out of his controversial executive orders, with one of his early promises being to address “illegal entry” into the U.S. and deport millions of immigrants, particularly from Central and South America.

For many, these announcements have stirred up strong emotions, especially among those directly impacted by immigration laws. Gomez shared an emotional video on Instagram, expressing her concerns over the new orders, which sparked widespread discussion.

Selena Gomez’s Emotional Outburst Over Immigration Orders

On January 27th, Selena gomez, a third-generation Mexican American, shared a tearful video on her Instagram, expressing her deep concern over Trump’s executive orders on immigration. In the video, the 32-year-old singer and actress broke down as she discussed the looming deportations, which Selena gomez said were targeting “all my people”—a reference to her Mexican heritage. “All my people are getting attacked, the children,” she said, visibly upset. “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.”

Unfortunately, the emotional video, which was later removed, didn’t have the intended effect. While many praised Selena gomez for showing empathy, her video also triggered criticism, leading her to post a follow-up message. She wrote, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people,” a statement that would later highlight the division her video caused online.

The Search for ‘Immigrant Rights’ Skyrockets

In the wake of Selena gomez’s heartfelt message, an unexpected trend emerged. According to entertainment news outlet Popfaction, Google searches for “immigration rights” spiked to a five-year high. Many believe the surge in online searches was spurred by the emotional response Gomez shared, which resonated with countless others concerned about the future of immigrant rights in America.

Fans flooded social media, showing overwhelming support for Gomez. One fan wrote, “Yes, yes, and yes! It’s just about empathy, something that touches her soul because of her story. She always gets emotional and shows support for vulnerable causes.” Another defended her actions, adding, “I don’t care what anyone else says, I will always have Selena’s back. Everyone can have a different opinion on this matter.”

What Are Immigrant Rights?

The public debate has also brought renewed attention to the legal rights of immigrants in the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has provided clear guidelines on the rights of individuals, regardless of their immigration status. The ACLU’s advice emphasizes that anyone who finds themselves questioned by law enforcement should remain calm and assert their right to remain silent. Additionally, if an immigration agent asks to search someone or requests their immigration papers, individuals have the right to refuse without probable cause.

The ACLU’s guidelines include the following key points:

Individuals have the right to remain silent and are not obligated to discuss their immigration status.
If asked for immigration papers, individuals must show them if they are carrying them.
No one can be searched without consent or probable cause.
Adults are encouraged to carry their immigration papers with them at all times. If not, they should remain silent or request to speak with an attorney.

A Divided Response to Immigration Reform

Selena Gomez’s emotional video sparked a larger conversation about the rights of immigrants in the U.S. While some praised her for speaking out on behalf of vulnerable communities, others criticized her for overstepping. The debate surrounding Trump’s immigration policies is only beginning, but one thing is clear—issues of immigration and human rights are central to the political discourse in America today. As more people search for answers and solutions, the conversation sparked by figures like Gomez continues to shape the conversation about what it means to be an immigrant in America.