Bruce Springsteen’s latest single, “Streets of Minneapolis,” written within hours of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s shooting of Alex Pretti, does not hide his condemnation of ICE’s recent actions. 

Springsteen’s husky vocals are familiar right off the bat. He passionately sings, “Their claim was self-defense, sir / Just don’t believe your eyes.” Springsteen evokes a “1984”-esque scenario, sardonically pointing out ICE’s gaslighting tactics against the widespread video evidence that speaks for itself. The use of quintessential American folk-rock instruments in a song of rebellion represents Springsteen’s overarching message: What ICE is doing is not patriotism — it’s murder.

He ends on a slightly more hopeful note, yelling, “In our chants of ‘ICE out now’ / Our city’s heart and soul persists.” Springsteen’s angry shouts spur hope — he reminds us that Minnesota’s opposition stokes the true American spirit, one that stands for the rights of all people. Seeing a renowned American singer directly acknowledge and support the protests through his art is fortifying.

A patriotic song denouncing ICE is not a solution, but it helps put into words the turmoil many of us feel. 

Listen to the rest of the playlist here!