Selena Gomez Shares (and Deletes) an Emotional Insta Story Amid Deportations

As Donald Trump’s executive orders go into effect, many are feeling a sense of helplessness — Selena Gomez, included. The actor shared an emotional Instagram Story update on Monday, seemingly responding to the new administration’s immigration policies. In the video, captioned “I’m sorry” with a Mexican flag emoji, Selena sobbed over unspecified news.

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

Selena later deleted the video, sharing a black background with the words, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people.” That message was also reportedly deleted shortly thereafter, likely due to backlash.

Media personalities on the right, like Tomi Lahren, immediately took to social media to belittle her message. Trolls, including a man who once ran for Senate, called to “deport Selena Gomez.” Her video even became fodder on Fox News.

Selena has yet to comment on the video or its reception, but this isn’t the first time the actor has spoken out on the issue of immigration. A descendant of immigrants (her paternal grandparents were immigrants from Mexico), Selena produced a docuseries on the lives of undocumented immigrants, called Living Undocumented.

She also previously wrote an op-ed in Time on the issue. “I’m concerned about the way people are being treated in my country,” she wrote in part. “As a Mexican-American woman I feel a responsibility to use my platform to be a voice for people who are too afraid to speak.”

To be clear, Selena’s message did not mention Trump or his 21 executive orders concerning immigration, but it did come a week after his inauguration, as his cabinet has vowed to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. As reported by the BBC, Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested 956 people during multiple raids just on Sunday, January 26, following a week of over 1,000 arrests. Moreover, Trump has also suspended asylum claims on the southern border.

If you or someone you know are concerned about increased ICE raids, know your rights.