Bruce Springsteen Surprises at Anti-ICE Benefit Concert

Rock legend performs new song 'Streets of Minneapolis' at event for families of two U.S. citizens killed in federal immigration operations

Jan. 31, 2026 at 2:15pm

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Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) benefit concert in Minneapolis on Friday. The concert was held to support the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens killed in shootings during federal immigration operations. Springsteen performed his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis,' which takes aim at President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and White House advisor Stephen Miller.

Why it matters

Springsteen's appearance and performance at the anti-ICE benefit concert highlights the ongoing tensions and controversies surrounding federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in liberal cities like Minneapolis. The event and Springsteen's involvement bring further attention to the debate over the role of ICE and the impact of its operations on American citizens.

The details

During the concert, Springsteen recalled writing 'Streets of Minneapolis,' a new song he said was a tribute to the city's protesters. He had former Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, who headlined the benefit, listen to the song and asked if it was 'soap boxy.' Morello reportedly replied that 'Nuance is nice, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth.' Springsteen then performed the song, which criticizes President Trump, DHS, ICE, and White House advisor Stephen Miller.

  • The benefit concert took place on Friday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American rock musician and longtime critic of the Trump administration.

Tom Morello

A former guitarist for the band Rage Against the Machine, who headlined the anti-ICE benefit concert.

Renee Good

A U.S. citizen killed in a shooting during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A U.S. citizen killed in a shooting during federal immigration operations in Minneapolis.

Kristi Noem

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

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What they’re saying

“Nuance is nice, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth.”

— Tom Morello, Guitarist

“Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experience to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.”

— Bruce Springsteen

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Minnesota against the federal government's surge of immigration enforcement officers is ongoing, with a judge rejecting the state's request to block the operation. The mayor of Minneapolis has vowed to appeal the ruling to 'hold the Trump administration to account'.

The takeaway

Springsteen's surprise appearance and performance at the anti-ICE benefit concert underscores the deep political divisions and tensions surrounding federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly in liberal cities. The event highlights the ongoing debate over the role of ICE and the impact of its operations on American citizens.