Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has launched a fierce condemnation of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Trump administration, labelling their methods as 'Gestapo tactics'. The outburst came during a surprise performance at a charity event.
Concert Stage Becomes Political Platform
The iconic singer made his powerful statements at the Light of Day Winterfest benefit concert in New Jersey on Monday 19 January 2026. In a move that electrified the audience, Springsteen dedicated his classic song 'The Promised Land' to Renee Good, an American citizen who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on 7 January.
Springsteen did not mince his words, attacking what he called a 'corrupt, incompetent and treasonous' administration under President Donald Trump. He asserted that no one should be murdered for exercising their right to protest, directly referencing the circumstances of Good's death.
Echoing Local Fury and Celebrity Solidarity
The musician's fury mirrored the local response in Minneapolis. Springsteen explicitly echoed Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey's demand for ICE to leave the city in the wake of the shooting and ongoing immigration raids. His criticism focused on the presence of heavily-armed federal personnel operating in urban areas.
Springsteen is not alone in his protest. A growing number of high-profile figures have voiced their opposition. Actor Mark Ruffalo is among the celebrities who have shown solidarity, with many sporting 'BE GOOD' and 'ICE OUT' buttons at major events like the recent Golden Globe Awards.
A Symbolic Stand Amidst National Tension
This incident highlights the deepening national divide over immigration policy and enforcement methods in the United States. Springsteen's use of his platform to honour a victim and challenge federal authority turns a cultural moment into a significant political statement.
The fallout from the Minneapolis shooting continues to resonate, moving from city streets to the global stage, amplified by voices like Springsteen's that command international attention.
