Belinda Defends the Latino Community In the United States: ‘This Country Wouldn’t Be The Same’

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In a moment when Latinos and other migrant communities in the United States are under renewed political pressure and public scrutiny, Mexican-Spanish singer Belinda has taken a firm stand in defense of her people. Speaking with Billboard Español in August 2025, the pop star, now embracing regional Mexican music with her album Indómita, made one thing clear: she’s not staying silent.

“I think Latinos contribute so much to the U.S. (…) I see how hard they work, how dedicated they are, and how much effort they put in,” Belinda said. “This country wouldn’t be the same without Latinos. They’re incredible, and I will always be proud of my community. I’ll defend them until my last day.”

 

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Her words land amid escalating tension. Latino communities across the U.S. are experiencing a surge in discrimination and fear, largely fueled by the Trump administration’s revived hardline immigration policies. Recent reports reveal a disturbing pattern: federal raids in cities like Los Angeles have sparked fear among undocumented families, while a federal court recently had to step in to block indiscriminate ICE checkpoints targeting Spanish-speaking residents in California.

In some cases, enforcement has crossed deeply ethical lines. A Senate report released this month uncovered over 500 cases of abuse in U.S. immigration detention centers, including the mistreatment of pregnant women, minors, and even a miscarriage allegedly caused by inhumane conditions. Such violations have intensified outrage and fear within migrant communities—many of whom now avoid reporting crimes or attending school functions, just to reduce risk of exposure.

These conditions don’t just affect families—they’re crippling cultural industries, too. Latin music concerts have seen significant dips in attendance, with some artists canceling U.S. tours due to low ticket sales attributed to fears of raids. It’s a chilling effect that goes beyond politics and into daily life, especially in industries powered by Latino labor and talent.

Belinda, meanwhile, refuses to disengage. Her latest album Indómita—which dives into the “corridos coquette” subgenre—marks a powerful reinvention. Though doubted by some early on (“Someone once told me I would never be able to sing this kind of music… that I didn’t deserve a place in that world,” she recalled), the album has proven wildly successful, placing on multiple Billboard charts and reinforcing her status as one of Latin pop’s most versatile voices.

“Creativity has no limits, and neither do I,” Belinda said—an ethos that applies not just to her artistry, but her politics.

Despite a shrinking presence of Spanish-language songs on mainstream charts like the Billboard Hot 100, Latin music overall is booming: it now represents more than 8% of all audio streams in the U.S., according to the RIAA, with over $1.4 billion in revenues in 2024 alone. Still, the long-term strength of the genre is closely tied to the well-being of the very communities under attack.

Latino youth, many born and raised in the U.S., now grapple with constant anxiety—avoiding even simple activities like driving or attending events for fear of family separation. Cultural and economic contributors alike are being silenced—not by lack of talent, but by fear.

In choosing to speak up, the Mexican-Spanish star doesn’t just represent a pop icon evolving into a regional powerhouse. She stands as a cultural ally—someone who sees the worth of her people not just on stage or in the studio, but in the kitchens, farms, schools, and households across a country that too often forgets who built it.

And that kind of pride? That’s indómita too.