Movies

Pepe Aguilar drops new song for immigrant rights: ‘I’m not making a cent off this song’

BBG News

Known Mexican vocalist Pepe Aguilar is leveraging his influence to highlight the challenges and acknowledge the worthiness of the immigration journey in the United States through his new song, “The Ballad of Juanito” (Corrido de Juanito).

This newly released track delves into the challenges faced by those who are away from their homes, striving to find joy amidst adversity. Originally composed and performed by ex-vocalist and accordionist of Calibre 50, Edén Muñoz, in the year 2017.

In light of recent events, Aguilar’s interpretation of the song carries a deeper resonance. This is because immigration authorities, such as ICE, have stepped up their activities in Los Angeles, following orders from President Trump.

As a movie critic, I’d rephrase it like this: In my view, the song by the singer of “Por Mujeres Como Tú” carries a powerful message and serves as a financial aid to the immigrant community in L.A. The entirety of the song’s earnings is being donated to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), an organization championing the rights of immigrants in our city.

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Aguilar shared with The Times after the song’s release that he isn’t earning anything from this track. Instead of profiting, we’re giving everything – not just from this song, but also from my latest album. This is because CHIRLA is assisting immigrants in their legal fight, and I composed this song to support them. That’s why all proceeds from this song and my album will go towards CHIRLA for as long as they are valuable.

This advocacy organization prioritizes the human and civic liberties of immigrants and refugees, not just in Los Angeles but across the entire state of California. They offer pro bono (free) and affordable legal assistance, as well as educational programs within communities.

Pepe Aguilar’s advocacy for the immigrant community, essential to his fan base, is deeply appreciated, as expressed by Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director. She further thanked him for amplifying the significance and accomplishments of immigrants within the United States.

California

Advocates for immigrants on the frontlines of the struggle against deportations are encountering death threats, investigations by Republicans, and reduced financial support.

As a passionate cinephile, ever since those troubling ICE raids in June, my heart has been with the resilient immigrant community. Taking to Instagram, I shared a message, standing up for their rights and dignity.

Rather than taking on the system head-on, I’ll choose to stand against it in a peaceful manner through creativity, recollection, heritage, customs, and reverence, as expressed in my recent social media video on June 7th.

Today, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be crafting a new rendition of the beautiful song that just dropped!

On August 15 and 16, Aguilar will be the main act at the Hollywood Bowl. It was during an awards ceremony, shortly after the song’s debut, that he first heard it. The song’s message resonated with him profoundly.

On Friday morning, Aguilar expressed that the sincerity and moving words of the song deeply affected him. The first time he heard it, he felt a knot in his throat, and since then, it has resonated with him strongly.

Politics

Ongoing immigration enforcement actions are taking place throughout Los Angeles, according to an official from Homeland Security.

Fast-forward to the year 2025, and he found himself once again listening to Calibre 50’s track, this time while joyfully singing bohemias with his loved ones during a family gathering at his daughter’s home just a few months ago.

He mentioned that someone asked him to perform an unfamiliar song at the gathering, and upon singing it, he was delighted with how it resonated.

It was after that experience that he knew he needed to record his own version.

In light of the current events involving deportations and immigration, Aguilar believes a particular song holds significant relevance to spark awareness about this topic and depict a lived reality shared by countless individuals. He refers to these people as “Juanitos,” who are either unable to return home or attend loved ones’ funerals due to the fear of being deported, yet they continue to work and contribute to America’s stability.

With ICE operations persisting in Los Angeles, artists of Latinx origin such as Becky G, Ivan Cornejo, and Maná are utilizing social media platforms to express solidarity with immigrant communities and join the ongoing demonstrations.

Aguilar expresses the daily struggles of longing for home and fear of being overlooked that many immigrants experience.

In the opening lyrics of his song, Aguilar sings, “It’s been nearly 14 years since I last returned to the land where I was born.” He goes on to express, “Now everything is different, I plead with heaven not to be forgotten by them.

The singer who sings “Perdonóme” posted a personal note to those directly impacted by the continuous ICE operations.

You’re not alone in this, we genuinely care for you. When I say ‘we,’ I’m referring to everyone who empathizes with your circumstances, not just Mexicans, but a multitude of people who aren’t Mexican too, including many Americans, who are deeply concerned about the current state of affairs. There are numerous organizations eager to take action against this unjust situation, an unfair and historically unfavorable one for a country like the U.S. I hold the principles that founded the United States dear, and I hope these values guide us during this difficult time.

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2025-07-12 02:01

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