Springsteen Plays Protest Song 'for the People of Minneapolis'

Track condemning federal immigration raids tops iTunes chart over Trump administration objections

Jan. 31, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Bruce Springsteen's new protest song, "Streets of Minneapolis," reached the top spot on iTunes on Friday morning. Hours later, he performed it in public for the first time, at a "Defend Minnesota" benefit in the city dealing with a Trump administration operation that's brought it thousands of federal agents.

Why it matters

Springsteen's protest song has become a rallying cry for those opposing the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, highlighting the power of music to amplify social and political messages.

The details

Springsteen told the audience that when he sent the song to Tom Morello, who headlined the concert, he warned it might be a bit preachy, but Morello responded, "Bruce, nuance is wonderful, but sometimes, you have to kick them in the teeth." The benefit at the storied First Avenue venue in downtown Minneapolis sold out even before anyone knew Springsteen would appear, and Morello paid homage to Minneapolis' past and present record of protest with a jubilant cover of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World."

  • The song was released on Wednesday.
  • Springsteen performed the song for the first time on Friday at the "Defend Minnesota" benefit.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American singer-songwriter known for his socially conscious music.

Tom Morello

A guitarist and political activist who headlined the "Defend Minnesota" benefit.

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What they’re saying

“Bruce, nuance is wonderful, but sometimes, you have to kick them in the teeth.”

— Tom Morello, Guitarist and political activist (Rolling Stone)

“So this is for the people of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the people of our good country, the United States of America.”

— Bruce Springsteen (NBC News)

What’s next

The song is expected to continue to gain popularity and become an anthem for those opposing the federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

Springsteen's protest song has tapped into the growing resistance to the Trump administration's immigration policies, showcasing the power of music to galvanize social and political movements.