“We have to remain united”: Shakira shares her thoughts on immigration and identity

Shakira has spoken out about the fear she feels as an immigrant living in the United States.

In an interview with BBC News, the Colombian-born superstar described how the current political environment has changed her experience of life in America. She reflected on her early years in Miami, sharing:

“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.”

When asked how it feels to be an immigrant in the U.S. today, she answered:

“It means living in constant fear. And it’s painful to see.”

READ ALSO: Is Shakira's San Antonio concert canceled? Everything you need to know

Shakira continued by urging solidarity and action.

“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.”

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“F—k ICE”: Musicians and stars join rising tensions over immigration raids

Shakira's comments arrive during heightened political tensions, with protests following recent immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles. In response, President Donald Trump approved the deployment of the National Guard to assist with anti-protest operations.

Some artists and public figures have joined the protests. Musician Finneas said on social media that he was tear-gassed during a peaceful protest, writing:

“F—k ICE.”

He later added:

“If you are into this fascist s—t you are small and weak and will lose.”

Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong also voiced their opposition, while TikTok star Khaby Lame reportedly left the U.S. after being detained by immigration officers.

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Shakira cancels sold-out San Antonio show due to structural issues

Shakira is in the middle of her Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran tour, her first in seven years. The tour has faced multiple disruptions, including a postponed show in Colombia due to safety concerns, a rescheduled concert in Peru after her hospitalization, and the recent cancellation of her performance in Houston, Texas.

In fact, Shakira’s sold-out show in San Antonio, originally scheduled for Friday, June 13, has been postponed due to safety issues with the concert stage.

The singer announced the news on social media, saying a third-party supplier was responsible for the structural setup of the staging.

“To perform in each city, we rely on a third party who locally provides the infrastructure to support the stage and the ceiling from which my production hangs.”

She went on:

“I am so sad to inform you what I have been told: That due to a structural issue with a truss provided by this third-party company to support my stage, we are being forced to reschedule my sold-show in San Antonio originally planned for tonight, June 13th.”

She also went viral earlier this month after taking a fall onstage during a performance.

Despite these setbacks, the tour continues in support of her 2024 album Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran.