Mexican Music Stars Pepe Aguilar and Son Emiliano Speak Out for Undocumented Immigrants

En Español

The raids against undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles have sparked massive protests, including among celebrities. Among them, Pepe Aguilar and his eldest son, Emiliano Aguilar , have emerged as important voices in their defense.

"I'm not going to fight the system; I'm going to peacefully resist it with art, with memory, with culture, with tradition, with respect," said the patriarch of the Aguilar family, announcing that he is preparing a song about the experiences of Mexicans in the United States and their courage.

This is part of the lyrics:

"Almost 14 years without going to my land where I was born/Everything has changed, I pray to my God/Don't forget me/My mother died and my father says he's too old and doesn't want to come,"

"My children are grown up, I don't understand them anymore, they don't speak Spanish."

And of everyday fear:

"He who hasn't seen an immigration van has never felt fear. A deportation. A deportation."

"Gardener or cook/I'll take the risk anyway, they'll say "anyway"/And even if they look down on me/I lift my head up by raising a glass/Anyway, I'm a friend and also Mexican/Mexican to the max."

For his part, Emiliano Aguilar, who was once arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented Chinese immigrants across the border in California in the trunk of his car, also threw his hat into the ring of artists who have begun to speak out about the situation.

The artist decided to cancel his performance at Ibiza Nightclub in Los Angeles, scheduled for this weekend.

"We understand what's happening and we don't want to put any member of our community at risk," the artist said.

Emiliano also called US President Donald Trump "corrupt" and spoke out against the anti-immigrant raids in Southern California, where he lives.

"Our generation thinks differently
Look at the president, another one for the corrupt list.
Absolute power, they live in pure luxury
While one here being worth but
I will keep moving forward"

The Aguilars are among the Mexican and Hollywood artists who have spoken out in defense of immigrants and undocumented immigrants. The list includes businesswoman Kim Kardashian, Latin actor Pedro Pascal, Eva Longoria , rapper Doechii, producer and composer Finneas, actress Gracie Adams, as well as Mexican artists Diego Boneta , Eugenio Derbez, Los Tigres del Norte, and Mexican-American singer Chiquis.