Bruce Springsteen has released a new song titled “Streets of Minneapolis,” dedicated to the people of Minneapolis and criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts in the city. The song’s lyrics highlight the city’s struggles and mention “King Trump’s private army.” Springsteen explained that he wrote and recorded the song in response to a recent fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, dedicating it to the city’s residents and immigrant neighbors, as well as in memory of the victims, Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
A White House spokesperson, Abigail Jackson, responded to the song by stating that the Trump Administration is focused on collaborating with state and local authorities to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens, dismissing the song as irrelevant and containing inaccurate information. The song starts with acoustic guitar and vocals and gradually builds up to a full band arrangement with a harmonica solo, concluding with chants of “ICE Out!”
In the song, Springsteen sings passionately about standing up for Minneapolis and the strangers in their midst. The title of the song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” bears resemblance to Springsteen’s earlier song “Streets of Philadelphia,” which was featured in the 1993 film “Philadelphia” starring Tom Hanks. Springsteen’s criticism of President Trump is not new, as the rock icon has been vocal about his disapproval of the administration, prompting Trump to retaliate by calling Springsteen “overrated” and making derogatory remarks about him during their public clashes.