Bruce Springsteen has released a new protest song, Streets of Minneapolis, which directly condemns US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration's response to protests. The song names individuals killed by federal agents and criticises figures such as Kristi Noem and Stephen Miller.
The track, written and recorded over a weekend, eschews metaphor in favour of direct language, referencing 'King Trump's private army from the DHS' and chanting 'ICE out!' Springsteen has described the song as urgent and angry, reflecting the current political climate.
Musically, the song echoes 1960s protest anthems with simple chords and a singable chorus. It includes a harmonica solo and biblical references, such as 'the stranger in our midst'. Despite its grim subject matter, the song ends on a hopeful note, celebrating the unity of protesters in Minneapolis.
Springsteen has been politically outspoken in recent years, criticising Donald Trump on stage. The new song follows a tradition of protest music, with artists like Billy Bragg also releasing songs about the Minneapolis protests. Bragg's City of Heroes similarly condemns the use of force against demonstrators.
