Bruce Springsteen Performs 'Streets of Minneapolis' at No Kings Rally

The singer honored the resistance of Minneapolis and Minnesota against federal immigration crackdowns.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bruce Springsteen performed his protest anthem 'Streets of Minneapolis' at the flagship No Kings rally in St. Paul, Minnesota on Saturday. Springsteen addressed the crowd of over 200,000 people outside the state capitol, honoring the city's resistance to the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement campaign. He named two Minneapolis residents killed by ICE agents during the operation before launching into the song, which he wrote and released shortly after the shootings.

Why it matters

Springsteen's performance at the No Kings rally, a nationwide series of protests against the Trump administration, underscores the artist's longstanding political activism and his support for the resistance movement against the administration's immigration policies. The song and Springsteen's remarks highlight the human cost of the federal crackdown in Minneapolis, which became a flashpoint for national outrage.

The details

Introduced by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Springsteen spoke at length before performing 'Streets of Minneapolis,' honoring the state's resistance to the Trump administration's Operation Metro Surge immigration enforcement campaign. He named Renee Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, who were killed by ICE agents during the operation. Springsteen debuted the song live on January 30 at a benefit concert in Minneapolis, and this was the third live performance of the protest anthem.

  • Springsteen wrote and recorded 'Streets of Minneapolis' in the immediate aftermath of the shootings, releasing it within days.
  • He debuted the song live on January 30 at a benefit concert at Minneapolis' First Avenue.
  • Springsteen performed 'Streets of Minneapolis' at the No Kings rally in St. Paul on March 28, 2026.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

An American singer-songwriter who has been a prominent political activist, known for his socially conscious lyrics and support for progressive causes.

Tim Walz

The Governor of Minnesota, who introduced Springsteen at the No Kings rally.

Renee Good

A mother of three who was killed by ICE agents during the Operation Metro Surge immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Alex Pretti

A VA nurse who was executed by ICE agents during the Operation Metro Surge immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'This past winter, federal troops brought death and terror to the streets of Minneapolis, but they picked the wrong city. The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis and Minnesota was an inspiration to the entire country. Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America, and this reactionary nightmare — and these invasions of American cities — will not stand. You gave us hope, you gave us courage.'”

— Bruce Springsteen

“'There are certain moments where you're in the right place at the right time and something deeply meaningful occurs that is bigger than the band. Being in Minneapolis goes way up to the top of the list as far as meaningful shows I've played.'”

— Bruce Springsteen

What’s next

Springsteen and the E Street Band will launch their Land of Hope and Dreams tour on March 31, with the opening show in Minneapolis. The tour will run through May 27, with the final show in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

Springsteen's performance of 'Streets of Minneapolis' at the No Kings rally underscores his longstanding political activism and support for the resistance movement against the Trump administration's immigration policies. His tribute to the victims of the federal crackdown in Minneapolis and his call to action resonated with the massive crowd, highlighting the power of music to amplify social and political messages.