Bruce Springsteen Releases New Song Criticizing Trump's Immigration Crackdown in Minneapolis

The Boss dedicates 'Streets of Minneapolis' to the city's immigrant community and victims of recent federal raids.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 4:31pm

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Bruce Springsteen has released a new song called 'Streets of Minneapolis' that criticizes President Donald Trump's ongoing immigration enforcement operations in the city. The lyrics describe 'a city aflame' fighting 'fire and ice 'neath an occupier's boots,' which Springsteen calls 'King Trump's private army.' The song is dedicated to the people of Minneapolis and the 'innocent immigrant neighbors' as well as the memory of two victims, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed in recent federal raids.

Why it matters

Springsteen has long been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration, and this new song continues his tradition of using his music to take a political stand. The song highlights growing tensions between the federal government and local communities over immigration enforcement, as well as the human toll of these operations on immigrant families and neighborhoods.

The details

In a statement, Springsteen said he wrote and recorded the song over the weekend in response to the second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. The slow-burning track builds from just acoustic guitar and voice to a fuller band tune, including a harmonica solo, and ends with chants of 'ICE Out!' The White House responded by saying the Trump administration is focused on 'removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens' and accused Springsteen of providing 'irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information'.

  • Springsteen released the song on Wednesday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American singer-songwriter known for his socially conscious lyrics and long-standing criticism of the Trump administration.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who Springsteen has frequently criticized for his policies and leadership.

Abigail Jackson

A White House spokesperson who responded to Springsteen's song, defending the Trump administration's immigration enforcement efforts.

Alex Pretti

One of the victims named by Springsteen in the song, who was killed in a recent federal immigration raid in Minneapolis.

Renee Good

One of the victims named by Springsteen in the song, who was killed in a recent federal immigration raid in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“It's dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.”

— Bruce Springsteen

“The Trump Administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities — not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”

— Abigail Jackson, White House Spokesperson

What’s next

The song's release has sparked renewed debate over the Trump administration's immigration policies and the impact on local communities. It remains to be seen if the song will have any tangible political or social impact.

The takeaway

Springsteen's new song underscores the deep divisions in America over immigration enforcement and the role of artists in using their platforms to critique government policies. The track highlights the human toll of these operations and the tension between federal and local authorities, while also showcasing Springsteen's continued relevance as a voice for social justice.