Shakira faces backlash for saying immigrant life in US under Trump feels like 'living in constant fear'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Shakira recently claimed that living in the United States under the Trump administration as an immigrant is like you are "living in constant fear".

During a recent interview with the BBC, the 'Hips Don't Lie' singer addressed the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the US today live in fear and "it's painful to see".

Shakira says living in US as immigrant is like 'living in constant fear

The pop singer's comments come amid ongoing protests against ICE as raids and riots run rampant in cities like Los Angeles. Other A-list stars like Kendall Jenner have also shared their statements amid the outrage and unrest, according to Daily Mail.

Shakira said to the BBC, "I was only 19 when I moved to the US, like many other Colombian immigrants who come to this country looking for a better future."

She added that she learned English by studying poetry written by Walt Whitman, and songs by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan to "understand how the English language works within songwriting".

Lately, the singer has been reflecting on her experiences, her acceptance in the US, and how that contrasts with the Trump administration's attitude towards immigrants, per BBC.

During the interview, she talked about the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the country today live in fear and "it's painful to see". 

Interestingly, she made the statement shortly after she canceled her third concert in three days after making history with her record-breaking tour, per the outlet. 

She encouraged her Latin American fans to stay strong in a statement, parts of which were in Spanish. 

She said, "Now, more than ever, we have to remain united. Now, more than ever, we have to raise our voices and make it very clear that a country can change its immigration policies, but the treatment of all people must always be humane."

Shakira won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran' earlier in 2025, and during her speech, she dedicated the award to "all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country."

"You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you," she said.

Earlier in June, protests erupted in Los Angeles after President Trump ordered ICE raids in the area and deployed around 2,000 National Guard troops despite California Governor Gavin Newsom objecting to it.

Many celebrities, apart from Shakira, also made a statement. Eva Longoria and Chrissy Teigen posted fiery messages on Instagram to rally their followers. 

Internet slams Shakira for her controversial statement

Several internet users slammed Shakira as she claimed that living in the US under the Trump administration as an immigrant is like you are "living in constant fear".

An online comment read, "It seems like some celebs are so desperate to be relatable that they can't even recognize that their comments could completely derail their careers. Either they think they're above getting canceled or they're just simple in the head" while one added, "YOU broke the law remember shaky, when you did not pay all those millions in taxes and then you tried to railroad your accountant. Hypocrite!!"

A person also stated, "'living in constant fear' - if you are in the country legally, you have nothing to fear," whereas one mentioned, "It's shocking how bad some people are at recognizing their own privileges while failing to read the room. Happens more than you think."

A user also wrote, "When you break American law you should live in fear. Why don't you mention that? What do you think America is? Brazil?" while one commented, "We should Stop allowing Super Rich Celebrities to come to the USA to Insult our country, our President and STILL PAY THEM MILLIONS while they Burn our FLAG...."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.