The Colombian singer Shakira publicly approached his experience as immigrant and expressed concern about the current migratory climate in USA. In an interview with BBCthe artist spoke about her arrival in Miami when he was 19 years old and the challenges he faced by adapting to a new cultural and linguistic environment.
The statements occurred in the context of federal operations made by him Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICEfor its acronym in English) in different areas of Los Angeles. The measures have been subject to public debate and judicial actions promoted by state and local authorities.
According to reports Use Todaythe raids coincided with the mobilization of units of the California National Guard and of Marine infantry bodyas part of a federal government strategy to intensify migratory controls in urban areas with high Latin population.
During the interview with BBC, Shakira reported that he emigrated from Colombia In the mid -1990s with the aim of starting a musical career in Miami. He indicated that at the time of his arrival there were no digital tools to facilitate the learning of English, so he resorted to physical books and dictionaries.
The artist mentioned that she used works by Leonard Cohen, Walt Whitman and Bob Dylan to understand the structure of the language and improve your writing capacity. As detailed, this process was part of his professional training as a composer.
In the same conversation with BBCthe singer was consulted about the current conditions of the Immigrants in USA. He replied that many people live in an environment of insecurity in the face of the possibility of being detained or deported. “It means living with constant fear”, He declared. He added that although the laws can change, the treatment towards human beings must be maintained within parameters of respect and legality.
Variety He informed that these statements arose in the middle of operations executed In several neighborhoods of Los Angelesand that the interview was published a few days after manifestations and public pronouncements of entertainment figures were made.
At the beginning of June operations were carried out ICE in California. As part of this operation, they deployed 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marine infants to support the actions of ICE in neighborhoods with high density of migrant population. Federal authorities indicated that the objective was to locate people without legal status.
These interventions resulted in public demonstrations in different parts of Los Angeles. Use Today He pointed out that state leaders presented Judicial demands Against the use of military personnel in immigration control activities, citing concerns about the possible militarization of civil functions.
Months before the interview with BBC, Shakira He referred to the immigration issue during ceremony number 67 of Grammy Awards. The Los Angeles Times reported that, upon receiving the award for Best Latin pop album by Women no longer crythe artist dedicated recognition to Immigrants that live in USA.
In his speech, he said: “This award is for all my immigrant brothers and sisters in this country. They are loved, they are worth it and I will always fight with you.”
In addition to Shakiraseveral artists expressed their position before the raids executed by ICE. Billboard He informed that Olivia Rodrigo published messages on their social networks expressing discomfort by operations in Los Angeles. In his publications, he indicated that the city would not exist without immigrants and questioned the treatment they have been given during federal procedures.
The same media reported that other musicians, including Tyler, The Creator, Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Kehlani, Tom Morello, René Rapp and Rebecca Blackthey joined the messages of support to the migrant community.
Los Angeles Times He added that artists linked to the Mexican regional genre, such as Becky g, Ivan Cornejo, Girdle force, Junior h, Border Group and Mannathey also spoke on the subject, using digital platforms to express support to those who could be affected by the raids.
Use Today reported that the raids in Los Angeles They caused an increase in legal consultations in community organizations, as well as a greater demand for immigration advice services. Civil rights defense groups documented cases of families that avoided leaving their homes for fear of being detained, especially in areas identified as operating points of ICE.
According to Los Angeles Timeslocal organizations have requested access to detailed information on the coordination between federal and state authorities during operations, and have questioned the lack of prior notification to municipal governments. The raids also motivated pronouncements of mayors and public officials who pointed out possible effects on confidence in public services and community security.
