Tom Homan Responds to Selena Gomez’s Viral Post on ICE Raids

Former ICE director and border czar Tom Homan recently responded to a now-deleted Instagram video from Selena Gomez, where the pop star shared her emotional reaction to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. In the video, Gomez appeared visibly distressed, sobbing as she expressed concern for migrants targeted by the raids. However, Homan defended the actions of ICE, stating that the agency has “no apologies” for enforcing immigration laws.

Selena Gomez’s Emotional Plea

In her video, Gomez tearfully expressed her frustration and heartbreak over the situation. “All my people are getting attacked, the children. 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,” she said, visibly shaken. The post quickly gained traction online, with many fans offering support, but it also attracted backlash.

Critics accused Gomez of being “out of touch,” claiming that her comments lacked a full understanding of the situation. In response to the criticism, Gomez deleted the video but later addressed the controversy on her Instagram story. “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” she wrote, defending her decision to speak out.

Tom Homan Stands Firm

When asked about Gomez’s video on Fox News, Homan pushed back against the claims she made, particularly her reference to families and children being targeted. “We’re going to do this operation without apology,” Homan said, emphasizing that ICE’s efforts are focused on apprehending individuals with prior criminal records.

He encouraged critics of ICE’s operations to channel their frustrations toward lawmakers. “If they don’t like it, then go to Congress and change the law,” Homan said firmly. He also dismissed claims of indiscriminate targeting of families, adding that no families had been arrested in the recent operations, as far as he was aware.

Homan defended the agency’s work as essential to maintaining safety in the U.S. “We’re gonna make our community safer. It is all for the good of this nation. And we’re gonna keep going. No apologies. We’re moving forward,” he stated.

The Scale of ICE Raids

The raids that sparked Gomez’s emotional post resulted in significant arrests over the weekend. According to ICE reports, 286 individuals were arrested on Saturday and 956 on Sunday, bringing the total to over 1,200 arrests in just two days. ICE maintains that these operations are focused on enforcing immigration laws and targeting those with criminal records who are in the country illegally.

While Homan and ICE defend their actions as lawful and necessary, the raids have sparked controversy and debate. Critics argue that the operations create fear and uncertainty for immigrant communities, particularly those with children.

Selena Gomez’s Impact

Gomez, who has a massive following on social media, has been outspoken on social issues in the past. Her recent video, while controversial, highlighted the emotional toll such operations have on immigrant communities and their supporters. Though she later deleted the video, her comments reignited conversations about immigration policy and the role of public figures in advocating for change.

However, the backlash Gomez faced also underscores the challenges celebrities encounter when addressing complex political issues. Critics accused her of oversimplifying the situation, while supporters applauded her for showing empathy and using her platform to bring attention to the plight of vulnerable communities.

The Bigger Picture

This situation highlights the growing divide over immigration enforcement in the U.S. On one side, advocates argue for humane treatment and reforms that prioritize keeping families together. On the other, law enforcement officials like Homan stress the importance of following the law and maintaining national security.

Gomez’s emotional response may not have changed ICE’s approach, but it reflects the concern many Americans feel about how immigration policies are impacting individuals and families. Her willingness to speak out—even amid criticism—demonstrates the power of celebrity influence in sparking dialogue, even when the topic is divisive.

As ICE continues its operations and public figures like Gomez continue to voice concerns, the debate over immigration policy remains a hot-button issue. Whether through social media posts or changes in law, the conversation about how to address immigration in a compassionate yet lawful way is far from over.