Bruce Springsteen has recently unveiled a new track titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” where he expresses solidarity with the residents of Minneapolis and condemns the immigration enforcement actions undertaken by President Donald Trump. The song’s lyrics depict a city facing turmoil and resistance against what Springsteen refers to as “King Trump’s private army.”
Springsteen disclosed that he composed and recorded the song in reaction to a tragic incident involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, dedicating it to the city’s populace, particularly the innocent immigrant community, and in memory of individuals named Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
A spokesperson from the White House, Abigail Jackson, rebuffed the song’s message, emphasizing the administration’s focus on collaborating with state and local authorities to eliminate criminal illegal immigrants. The track, starting with just an acoustic guitar and vocals, gradually transitions into a more elaborate arrangement with a harmonica solo, culminating in a rallying cry of “ICE Out!”
In the song, Springsteen voices support for Minneapolis, declaring, “Singing through the bloody mist/We’ll take our stand for this land/And the stranger in our midst.” The title of the song draws parallels to Springsteen’s previous work, such as “Streets of Philadelphia,” known for its association with the film “Philadelphia” from 1993.
Known for his vocal criticisms of President Trump, Springsteen and the president have engaged in public disputes, with Trump dismissing the rock legend as “overrated.” Their discord escalated during Springsteen’s tour in England last year, where he denounced the administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” prompting Trump to retaliate by labeling Springsteen a “dried out prune of a rocker.”