Bruce Springsteen Drops Protest Song “Streets of Minneapolis” Amid Backlash Over Federal ICE Actions
Bruce Springsteen has released a new protest song titled “Streets of Minneapolis” in direct response to recent clashes between federal immigration agents and protesters in Minneapolis — including the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
The legendary singer-songwriter wrote and recorded the track in just a matter of days, announcing its release via social media on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Springsteen framed the song as a reaction to what he described as “the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis.”
“I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today,” Springsteen wrote. “It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free.”
A Song of Protest and Tribute
Streets of Minneapolis begins with a sparse acoustic arrangement and builds into a full-band anthem. Its lyrics paint a stark picture of recent events in Minnesota, including imagery of conflict on Nicollet Avenue and criticism of federal immigration enforcement.
The song explicitly names both Pretti and Good — two civilians killed by federal agents during protests against increased ICE and Border Patrol operations — with lines such as:
“And two dead left to die on snow-filled streets / Alex Pretti and Renee Good.”
Springsteen also includes call-and-response style refrains like “ICE out of Minneapolis,” which echo slogans heard at protests across the city this month.
The title Streets of Minneapolis deliberately echoes Springsteen’s 1994 anthem Streets of Philadelphia, a song written for the Philadelphia film soundtrack and known for its emotional storytelling.
Political Context and Public Reaction
The song arrives amid nationwide controversy over the federal immigration raids in Minnesota, which have drawn widespread criticism, demonstrations, and counterclaims from government officials and local leaders. Springsteen has long woven political and social commentary into his music, and this release continues that tradition.
Springsteen’s lyrics also include pointed references to the current administration and Department of Homeland Security, using phrases that describe federal agents as “King Trump’s private army.”
Critics of the federal response have praised the song as a powerful artistic statement, while some supporters of the government’s approach argue that protest music oversimplifies complex policy issues.
A Rapid Creative Response
Unlike most major releases that take months of production, Springsteen’s newest track was written, recorded and shared in just a matter of days — underscoring both the urgency he feels about the situation and his longstanding willingness to use music as commentary on American life and conflict.
The song is already circulating widely on streaming platforms and social media, amplifying a culturally charged moment and sparking renewed discussion about policing, immigration enforcement and artistic expression in times of national debate.