After weeks of political turmoil and violence in Minneapolis, Bruce Springsteen released a new song, titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” on Jan. 28. In the protest track, Springsteen criticizes the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while also paying tribute to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two Minneapolis residents who were shot and killed by ICE.
Due to their status and influence, it is imperative that musicians like Springsteen use their platforms to fight for political change.
Springsteen said in an Instagram post the song came “in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis.” He wrote it on Jan. 24, one day after Pretti’s death to remember both of the victims, and recorded it three days later.
“Streets of Minneapolis” explicitly condemns political figures and the recent events. Unlike many artists who use metaphors or allusions in their lyrics, Springsteen directly and rightfully calls out ICE’s unjust actions.
In the third verse, he sings, “It’s our blood and bones/And these whistles and phones/Against Miller and Noem’s dirty lies.” These lines are a direct stab at Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem, the U.S. Homeland Security Advisor and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, respectively.
He also calls out President Donald Trump with the lines, “King Trump’s private army from the DHS/Guns belted to their coats/Came to Minneapolis to enforce the law/Or so their story goes.”
Springsteen’s lyrics are a bold testament to the power of music. He is using his platform as a renowned artist to protest wrongful action, suggesting his audience does the same.
The song has already been met with negative reactions from right-wing political figures. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told NBC News that the Trump Administration is not focused on “random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”
Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin made a flippant comment as well, saying, “We eagerly await Mr. Springsteen’s songs dedicated to the thousands of American citizens killed by criminal illegal aliens.”
These statements demonstrate the lack of understanding from our political leaders. Jackson and McLaughlin undermined the song’s message and chose to carry on with their conservative agendas.
Springsteen has publicly criticized Trump for years, unashamedly expressing his political opinions. He endorsed Kamala Harris during the 2024 Presidential election, calling Trump “the most dangerous candidate for president in my lifetime.” Before that, he called the president a “threat to our democracy” in a 2020 interview with The Atlantic.
Springsteen’s words might seem egregious, but they are necessary when our country is in a state of chaos. His work is honorable and courageous as he makes the choice to speak out against abhorrent leaders and federal actions, while other celebrities choose to remain silent.
Many other artists have done the same, calling out political violence and ICE’s actions. After Pretti’s death, Olivia Rodrigo posted on Instagram, “ICE’s actions are unconscionable, but we are not powerless. Our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.” Billie Eilish also shared her strong resentment towards ICE on Instagram and called for fellow celebrities to take a stand as well.
Music, and the arts in general, has historically been a form of political expression, whether it alludes to racism, gender inequality or police brutality.
These platforms matter. Springsteen’s valiant effort to condemn the atrocious incidents that have happened is more than important. Using our voices, through words or lyrics, is crucial in fighting for real change.
This story was written by Rachel Lopera. She can be reached at r[email protected]
