Selena Gomez Breaks Down Over ICE Raids—Ted Cruz Fires Back

On January 27, 2025, Selena Gomez, a third-generation Mexican American singer and actress used her Instagram platform to post an emotional video about the recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In the now-deleted video, Gomez tearfully spoke about feeling helpless as she witnessed “her people” being targeted, including children. She emphasized the importance of empathy and compassion in such times.

The video received significant attention and mixed reactions. In response, Tom Homan, American law enforcement officer and border czar for the Trump administration, clarified that he had “no apologies” over the incident, affirming that ICE targets only illegal immigrants who have a criminal record. He also claimed that the operations are legal and of benefit to public safety.

Although many undocumented immigrants without criminal backgrounds are also being affected by the enforcement actions. He affixed that the ICE would press on with the enforcement activities daily, as reported by The New York Post.

It took a turn for the worse when Sam Parker, a Republican politician from Utah used his X account to criticize Gomez’s post and offended her heritage, saying she needed to be deported, even though she is an American citizen. He claimed that Gomez was protecting undocumented immigrants rather than Americans, and her perceived sense of entitlement bothered him.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz also took to social media to call Gomez out.

“Why were no tears shed for Jocelyn Nungaray? Or Laken Riley? Or Rachel Morin?” Cruz wrote. “Why does Hollywood only cry for murders & rapists & gang-bangers?” 

Cruz highlighted three separate murder cases involving individuals without legal status, drawing particular attention to the killing of 12-year-old Maria Gonzalez Nungaray. Venezuelan nationals Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Peña Ramos were charged with capital murder in June for her death.

Nungaray’s case has become a focal point in Cruz’s reelection bid and former President Donald Trump’s campaign. 

Amongst the backlash, Gomez did receive support from fans and public figures alike. Flavor Flav, for example, praised her guts to speak out, noting she has always been an immigrant rights advocate.