During a powerful performance at the Light of Day Winterfest at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen criticized the federal crackdown on immigrants, dedicating a song to the memory of Renee Nicole Good, who was tragically killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
Springsteen described the federal law enforcement actions during the Trump administration as “heavily armed, masked federal troops invading an American city, using Gestapo tactics against their fellow citizens.” His remarks echoed a larger sentiment of outrage as he dedicated his iconic song “The Promised Land” to Good, who was remembered as a mother of three and a victim of what many have called excessive force by immigration officials.
The incident involving Good occurred when ICE officer Jonathan Ross fired three shots at her vehicle as she was driving away on a residential street. Federal officials claimed Ross was acting defensively, but the shooting has ignited widespread criticism and raised serious questions about the tactics employed by federal immigration agents. Videos from the scene reveal Good turning the wheel away, indicating she was not attacking Ross.
Springsteen expressed hope that his message would resonate with President Trump, urging him to reflect on the rights of American citizens to protest without fear of violence. He notably supported Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s statement that ICE should vacate the city and pointed out the importance of acknowledging the rights of individuals, especially those interacting with law enforcement.
Renee Good’s untimely death occurred amidst a broader surge in federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota, which has been marked by increasing tensions and violent altercations between protesters and law enforcement. Good and her partner reportedly stopped to observe the immigration enforcement action in their neighborhood after dropping off their child at school, hoping to assist their neighbors.
In response to Springsteen’s remarks, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed the criticism, stating that citizens should understand the importance of law and order, implying that deportations are a necessary consequence of federal enforcement operations.
The comparison of current ICE tactics to those of the Gestapo has been echoed by others, including political figures and public commentators, highlighting a growing concern over the militarization of domestic law enforcement and its implications for civil liberties.
Despite the intense political climate surrounding immigration policy and enforcement actions, Springsteen’s impassioned plea at the concert reflects a broader call for empathy, justice, and the affirmation of human rights within the fabric of American society. This performance serves as a rallying point for those advocating for change and greater accountability in law enforcement practices.