Bruce Springsteen slams Trump’s immigration policies in new protest song

Bruce Springsteen has released a new song titled "Streets of Minneapolis," a track written in response to what he describes as "ongoing state terrorism" in the city.

Springsteen announced the release on social media, dedicating the song to the residents of Minneapolis and the memories of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Both Pretti and Good were recently killed by federal immigration agents in the city.

The lyrics depict a city in unrest and include references to "King Trump’s private army from DHS."

The rock star has a long history of political activism and has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump since before the president’s first term. Springsteen previously condemned the administration’s "Gestapo tactics" during a concert and dedicated a prior performance to Good.

President Trump responded to the criticism by labeling Springsteen "overrated" and "talentless." Trump further dismissed the musician as an "annoying blowhard."

The release of a direct and visceral protest track by Bruce Springsteen serves as a stark barometer of the deepening partisan divide in the United States. Transcending mere artistic expression, the song functions as a form of rapid-response "musical journalism," hitting the airwaves almost immediately following the events it critiques to shape the immediate political narrative.

Springsteen has long occupied the role of the preeminent chronicler of the American working class. However, his deployment of inflammatory rhetoric—specifically references to "state terrorism" and "King Trump’s private army"—signals a significant radicalization of his messaging. This shift mirrors a broader anxiety within the American electorate regarding the perceived weaponization and politicization of federal agencies. By leveraging his platform this way, Springsteen reinforces the artist's role as a vital counter-voice in a democratic system where traditional media channels are increasingly siloed by ideology.

The escalating war of words between Springsteen and the former president is emblematic of a modern political landscape where policy debates are frequently sidelined in favor of personal grievances. Amplified by social media, this feud highlights the total convergence of American culture and politics. In this environment, entertainment icons exert substantial influence over the national discourse, and political figures increasingly engage in the arena of celebrity culture to defend their institutional standing. This blurring of lines underscores a shift from traditional governance to a personality-driven political era.

The conversation surrounding federal immigration agents and the tragic loss of life hits close to home for many in the Vietnamese-American community. Even when the headlines don’t feature a familiar face from Little Saigon, the actions of agencies like ICE foster a shared sense of unease that ripples through every nail salon and phở restaurant across the country. When a national figure like Springsteen gives voice to these struggles, he moves the debate over immigrant rights from the margins to the mainstream. For families navigating the uncertainty of F2B backlogs or the precariousness of TPS, H-1B, and EB-5 status, such music serves as a dual force: a source of solace and a stark reminder of an increasingly harsh political climate.