Latina Beauty Influencers Doris Jocelyn and Ileana Velázquez Are Being Criticized for Makeup Video Depicting Deportations 

Mexican content creator Doris Jocelyn has found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after posting a TikTok that uses makeup transformations to depict the experiences of migrants deported from the United States. Partnering with fellow Latina beauty and fashion creator Ileana Velazquez, Jocelyn created a visual representation of the physical and emotional toll faced by migrants, but the video quickly drew criticism. 

@dorisjocelyn

✨🇲🇽 Nuestros hermanos migrantes son un reflejo de la valentía, la esperanza y la lucha incansable por un futuro mejor. Dejan atrás sus hogares, sus raíces y muchas veces a sus seres queridos con la firme convicción de que el sacrificio vale la pena. No son solo números en una estadística ni historias anónimas en las noticias: son el rostro de la perseverancia, del amor por la familia y del derecho a una vida digna. Desde nuestras trincheras, como mexicanos y latinos, es nuestro deber levantar la voz en apoyo a su causa. La migración no debería ser un crimen, es un acto de supervivencia y un derecho humano. Es momento de unirnos, de construir puentes en lugar de muros, de reconocer que en cada migrante hay un sueño que merece ser respetado. A nuestros hermanos migrantes les decimos: no están solos. Su lucha es nuestra lucha. Sus sueños son los nuestros. Desde cualquier lugar donde nos encontremos, sigamos alzando la voz, exigiendo justicia y abriendo caminos. Porque juntos, como una gran familia latina, somos imparables🫂❤️‍🩹 #inmigrantes #migrantes #latinos

♬ sonido original – DorisJocelyn🦩

Doris Jocelyn and Ileana Velázquez, the Latina Creators Behind the Video

The video, shared a few days ago, quickly gained traction and has now amassed over 50 million views. Jocelyn’s intent seemed to be raising awareness about the challenges faced by migrants, but many social media users were quick to accuse her of exploiting the pain of others for content. Critics flooded her comment section, pointing out that the experiences of migrants should not be treated as a creative project or a social media trend. 

Users on social media expressed frustration with the video, calling it insensitive and performative. Some questioned who would ultimately benefit from the content, while others suggested that any profits from the video should be donated to organizations supporting migrants. The criticism was swift and unrelenting, with many urging Jocelyn to reconsider her approach. 

The backlash extended to Velázquez, who appeared in the video alongside Jocelyn. Although Velázquez has not directly responded to the growing controversy, some users held her equally responsible for participating in content that they felt trivialized a harsh reality. Both creators have built their platforms around beauty and fashion, making the sudden shift to heavy social commentary feel jarring to their audiences. 

Jocelyn, who has built a following of over 31 million on TikTok, is known for her impressive makeup skills and creative transformations. Her content typically revolves around beauty trends and character looks, making the decision to tackle the topic of deportation surprising to many. Critics believe that the video oversimplifies the trauma endured by migrants, turning it into aesthetic content rather than meaningful advocacy. 

However, supporters of Jocelyn argued that the video did raise awareness, especially among audiences who may not have previously engaged with the topic of migrant deportation. They emphasized that conversations about immigration need to reach all corners of social media, and creators like Jocelyn and Velázquez have the power to introduce difficult topics to broader audiences. Still, the delivery of the message remained a sticking point for many who felt that the approach crossed ethical lines.

(But let’s not forget that these two Latinas are using their massive following to shine a light on such an important topic for the Latino community. That’s admirable in itself.)

The Work Speaks for Itself

As criticism continued to pour in, Jocelyn and Velázquez have remained silent on the matter. Neither has addressed the growing backlash or offered any clarification on the intention behind the video. The silence has only intensified conversations online, with users demanding accountability and urging both creators to engage with their audience on the issue. 

The controversy has now reignited a broader conversation about the role of social media creators in addressing social issues. While some believe that any effort to raise awareness is valuable, others maintain that the experiences of migrants should never be reduced to a visual trend or creative project. Jocelyn and Velázquez have yet to comment, leaving many wondering if they will eventually address the growing public scrutiny.