Pop singer Shakira has joined a growing list of celebrities attacking President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, claiming immigrants in America today are forced to live under “constant fear.”
The Colombian-born singer, who moved to the United States at 19 to launch her music career, recently described her immigrant experience in harsh terms.
“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,” Shakira told BBC News.
Despite now being a global superstar worth at least $300 million, she claimed that she still relates to the struggles of newcomers.
Shakira says living as an immigrant in the United States means "living in constant fear":
“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… pic.twitter.com/5nWsKAKb52
— Variety (@Variety) June 15, 2025
Shakira alleged that immigration enforcement efforts have fostered a hostile environment under the Trump administration.
“It means living in constant fear,” she said. “And it’s painful to see.”
“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.”
Her comments come as protests erupted across the country on June 14 under the “No Kings” banner.
The name alludes to accusations from the political left that Trump has consolidated power in a manner they deem excessive or authoritarian.
These protests coincided with a major military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
Meanwhile, in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Philadelphia, celebrities and activists took to the streets to denounce Trump.
Shakira, who recently canceled three tour dates, used the moment to deliver a message in Spanish to her Latin American supporters, urging them to persevere through what she portrayed as trying times.
“Now, more than ever, we have to remain united,” she stated.
During a Grammy acceptance speech earlier this year, she offered her award for Best Latin Pop Album to “all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country.”
“I want to dedicate this 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.”
— Shakira during her #GRAMMYs acceptance speech. pic.twitter.com/ao3hmVgPSn
— Pop Base (@PopBase) February 3, 2025
Actress Ellen Pompeo added to the chorus of criticism while appearing with journalist Katie Couric at a Tribeca Festival event.
Referencing the rallies against the president, Pompeo remarked, “The simplest answer is, we need more women in power and more women in leadership.”
“These guys are all so angry. What is happening?” she questioned. “I don’t know, have a sandwich, smoke a joint, chill the f*** out.”
Ellen Pompeo photographed at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. pic.twitter.com/IMOWi2g9bF
— GoldenSeries (@series_golden) June 15, 2025
Pompeo continued by accusing the Trump administration of operating with “low emotional intelligence and ego,” describing it as a male-dominated government.
“I can’t say all men, obviously. I’m sorry guys, I love you,” she added.
“All we ended up with is a bunch of dead soldiers and broken cities and bombed-out cities. What benefit has ever come from any of it?”
According to Pompeo, unchecked executive authority amounts to a national suicide pact.
“It’s not sustainable this kind of aggression, unless you blow everything up. It’s Jim Jones, ‘Let’s all drink the Kool-Aid and say goodbye.'”
The protests were also joined by a slate of other high-profile Hollywood names.
Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo appeared alongside Susan Sarandon in New York City, warning rally-goers, “We see a president who has made himself a king and a dictator.”
“ We love this country so much that we’re leaving our homes today in the rain, to express our friendship & love for the people here who made this place. Unless you are Native American, or Mexican, you’re an immigrant“ – Mark Ruffalo pic.twitter.com/AQfZD0pztU
— Meidas_Charise Lee (@charise_lee) June 15, 2025
“We don’t see an opposition that’s powerful enough to stand up against the trampling of our rights, and trampling the Constitution that’s happening every single day with executive orders,” Ruffalo claimed.
“With the refusal to obey court orders. Kidnapping of immigrants, people who are here illegally, people whose children are being taken from them. We’re disgusted and we’re scared.”
Actress Kerry Washington participated in the Los Angeles protests, posting pictures to Instagram with fellow celebrity Julia Louis Dreyfus.
Jimmy Kimmel also joined the march in L.A., donning a red hat reading “I Am A F-ing Idiot,” styled similarly to Trump’s “Make America Great Again” caps. His shirt had a slogan reading “Make America Good Again!”
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“A huge, inspiring and yes – peaceful – turnout in the South Bay,” Kimmel posted. “I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good.”
“I am grateful to see so many Americans take action to stand up for our friends and neighbors, most of all, my parents,” he added.
“I know how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that taught me to care about others and that the most important words ever spoken are ‘Love one another.’ It really is as simple as that. #NoKings”