Bruce Springsteen Releases "Streets of Minneapolis," Addressing Federal Actions and Deaths in Minnesota
Bruce Springsteen released a new song titled "Streets of Minneapolis" on January 28, addressing federal agent actions in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Springsteen later performed the song live at a benefit concert. The song contains lyrical criticisms of the Trump administration and federal agencies, which have prompted responses from former President Donald Trump and the White House.
Song Release and Content
Bruce Springsteen released "Streets of Minneapolis," a full-band rock and roll track, on January 28. Springsteen stated on social media that he wrote and released the song in response to events in Minneapolis. He dedicated the song to the people of Minneapolis, immigrant communities, and the memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The song's lyrics reference "King Trump" and "federal thugs," and describe a "city aflame fought fire and ice." It also refers to agents as "King Trump's private army from the DHS."
"Their claim was self defense, sir / Just don't believe your eyes" and "There were bloody footprints / Where mercy should have stood / And two dead left to die on snow-filled streets / Alex Pretti and Renee Good."
The lyrics recount the deaths of Good and Pretti.
Background: Incidents in Minneapolis
The song addresses the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both described as 37-year-old U.S. citizens, who were fatally shot in separate incidents in Minneapolis.
- Renee Good: Good was shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7.
- Alex Pretti: Pretti was killed on January 24. A preliminary government review of Pretti's case stated he resisted arrest before being shot by two Customs and Border Protection officers.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti's actions as "domestic terrorism," stating he "brandished" a gun and "attacked" officers. Noem made similar statements about Renee Macklin Good's behavior prior to her death.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has referred to its operations in Minnesota as "the largest mass deportation operation in American history."
Live Performance and Benefit Concert
On January 30, Springsteen performed "Streets of Minneapolis" live for the first time during a surprise appearance at a benefit concert hosted by Tom Morello at the First Avenue club in Minneapolis. The event aimed to raise money for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
During the event, Springsteen was joined by Tom Morello to perform "The Ghost of Tom Joad." The performance of "Streets of Minneapolis" reportedly prompted chants of "ICE Out now!" from the audience. The protest event advocated for "No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE."
Official Responses
Former President Donald Trump and the Trump administration have responded to Springsteen's song and prior comments:
Donald Trump
Trump referred to Springsteen as "highly overrated," "not a talented guy," and a "pushy, obnoxious jerk."
He also called him a "dried-out prune of a rocker" and criticized his "Radical Left Politics" on his Truth Social platform.
White House/Administration
On January 29, the White House described the song as "irrelevant" and "inaccurate."
Administration spokeswoman Abigail Jackson commented that the administration was focused on working with state and local Democrats to remove "dangerous criminal illegal aliens" and considered the song's opinions "irrelevant" and "inaccurate."
Springsteen's Prior Political Commentary
Bruce Springsteen has a history of incorporating political commentary into his work and public statements.
Criticism of Trump Administration
He has previously criticized President Trump's policies, including comments on his 2016 live EP Land of Hope & Dreams. He has described events in the U.S. as a "terrible thing" undermining democratic tradition, and in May, referred to the administration as "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous." He also commented on actions he perceived as causing pain to American workers and rolling back civil rights legislation, while stating that the U.S. was abandoning allies and siding with dictators.
Statements on Minneapolis Events
Earlier this month, Springsteen dedicated a performance of "The Promised Land" to Renee Macklin Good at the Light of Day festival. He also condemned what he described as the administration's "Gestapo tactics" at protests in Minnesota and supported Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's statements regarding ICE's presence in the city. He has publicly called for ICE to leave Minneapolis.
Other Political Engagement
Springsteen has also campaigned for Kamala Harris in 2024.
Broader Artistic Context
Other artists have also released songs or spoken out in response to recent events in Minneapolis and concerning ICE. These include Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes," My Morning Jacket's benefit album "Peacelands," NOFX's "Minnesota Nazis," Dropkick Murphys' "Citizen I.C.E.," and public statements from artists such as Billie Eilish, Finneas, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, and Moby.