Shakira opened up about being an immigrant in America and said that it means ‘living in constant fear.’
The singer-songwriter, who moved from her native Colombia to Miami, Florida as a teenager to further her music career, spoke out about the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
This comes amid ongoing protests against ICE as raids and riots run rampant cities like Los Angeles — while other A-list stars like Kendall Jenner have shared their own politically-charged statements amid the outrage and unrest.
‘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 told BBC News.
The Hips Don’t Lie hitmaker, now 48, said that she learned English by studying poetry written by Walt Whitman and songs penned by Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan in order to ‘understand how the English language works within songwriting.’
She addressed the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the United States today live in fear and ‘it’s painful to see.’Â
Shakira opened up about being an immigrant in America and said that it means ‘living in constant fear’
Her speaking out comes just shortly after she canceled her third concert in three days after making history with her record-breaking tour.Â
With part of her statement in Spanish as she addresses her Latin American fans, she encouraged them to stay strong.
‘Now, more than ever, we have to remain united,’ she said.
‘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.’Â
Earlier this year, Shakira won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.
And during her speech, she dedicated the award to ‘all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country.’Â
She added: ‘You are loved, you are worth it, and I will always fight with you.’
The day before, Kendall Jenner also shared a politically charged statement amid the ongoing unrest in Los Angeles over ICE raids ordered by President Donald Trump.Â
The singer-songwriter, who moved from her native Colombia to Miami, Florida as a teenager to further her music career, spoke out about the Trump administration’s immigration policies; pictured March 2024
An American flag is seen being burned in Los Angeles on Sunday amid Anti-ICE protests
She addressed the immigration crackdown on alleged violations and said that immigrants in the United States today live in fear and ‘it’s painful to see’; pictured February 2020
Earlier this year, Shakira won a Grammy for Best Latin Pop Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran. And during her speech, she dedicated the award to ‘all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country’; pictured November 2023
Protests erupted after Trump ordered ICE raids in the area and deployed 2,000 National Guard troops despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom.Â
In response, several celebrities in addition to Shakira and Jenner also made a statement.Â
Among them are Eva Longoria and Chrissy Teigen, who posted fiery messages on Instagram to rally their followers.Â
Jenner took to her Instagram Stories the day before to share a message and amplify ‘Los Angeles Immigrant Community Resources’ as she encouraged her followers to get involved and spread awareness.Â
A link to the organization’s social media showed a caption reading: ‘LA, it’s time to mobilize all of our community. Your actions do make a difference. Do your part as we look out for each other.Â
‘LA stands united. Share these immigration community resources widely. Repost, amplify, organize. Spanish language version coming soon.’Â
