Bruce Springsteen has released a new song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” directed at the people of Minneapolis while criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies in the area. The track was unveiled on Wednesday and depicts the tumultuous state of the city, referencing a struggle against oppressive forces with the lyrics, “a city aflame fought fire and ice ’neath an occupier’s boots,” which Springsteen describes as “King Trump’s private army.”
In a statement, Springsteen revealed that he composed and recorded the song over the weekend in response to the tragic deaths of individuals due to federal immigration actions in Minneapolis. He dedicated the song to the immigrant community in the city as well as to the memory of victims Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The White House, through spokesperson Abigail Jackson, rebuffed Springsteen’s critique, asserting that the Trump Administration aims to collaborate with local authorities to remove individuals involved in serious criminal activity rather than engage with what they deem “random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”
Musically, “Streets of Minneapolis” transitions from a simple acoustic guitar arrangement to a fuller ensemble, featuring a notable harmonica solo, and culminates in chants of “ICE Out!” Springsteen sings, “Oh our Minneapolis, I hear your voice… We’ll take our stand for this land/And the stranger in our midst,” echoing themes of solidarity and resistance.
The title of Springsteen’s song recalls his previous work, “Streets of Philadelphia,” which was the theme for the 1993 film “Philadelphia.” The release comes shortly after British artist Billy Bragg debuted his own protest song, “City of Heroes,” inspired by the same tragic events surrounding Pretti’s death, aiming to highlight the courage of Minneapolis residents.
Springsteen has been a long-time critic of President Trump, with the two having clashed publicly in the past. Last year, during a concert in England, Springsteen condemned the current administration, prompting Trump to label him as an “overrated” musician.
Additionally, on Friday, the First Avenue venue in Minneapolis will host “A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota,” featuring artists such as Tom Morello and Rise Against. This benefit concert aims to financially support the families of Good and Pretti. Morello expressed his solidarity, stating, “We are coming to Minneapolis where the people have heroically stood up against ICE, stood up against Trump, stood up against this terrible rising tide of state terror.”
This recent wave of musical protest underscores an ongoing outcry for justice and unity in the face of divisive immigration policies.