Donald Trump’s top official in charge of border security has staunchly defended the government’s efforts to deport undocumented migrants following an emotional plea from singer and actress Selena Gomez.
Gomez, who comes from a Mexican background, tearfully expressed her distress over the treatment of her community saying, “All my people are being attacked, and children.”
In response to Gomez and others who share her sentiments, Tom Homan, a veteran immigration official, stated on Fox News, “If they don’t like it, then go to Congress and change the law. We’re going to do this operation without apology.”
Since Trump’s return as president, there have been 956 arrests in a nationwide immigration crackdown ordered by him, according to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Gomez initially deleted her emotional Instagram video but later returned to social media to address critics who questioned her empathy, saying, “Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people.”
As the Mexican government anticipates the arrival of thousands of deportees from the United States in the coming weeks, preparations are being made to reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy introduced during Trump’s first term.
Homan reiterated that the deportations target public security and national security threats, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to safeguarding communities without apology. He also raised concerns about the lack of attention towards sex trafficking victims and questioned the absence of tears for the hundreds of thousands of children who have been trafficked into the country.
While many of Gomez’s fans rallied behind her, some, including Trump-supporting TV host Megyn Kelly, criticized her for her stance. Gomez, known for her activism and advocacy, documented the struggles of immigrant families in the US in a Netflix series called Living Undocumented.
With over 400 million Instagram followers, Gomez continues to use her platform to raise awareness on social issues.
Her recent roles in popular TV shows and movies have garnered critical acclaim, including a Bafta nomination for her performance in Emilia Perez, which is a frontrunner in this year’s Oscar race.
