Bruce Springsteen made an unannounced appearance last night, January 17, at New Jersey’s Light of Day WinterFest, a non-profit event he frequently supports. While performing with Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, Springsteen publicly denounced ongoing ICE raids in Minnesota and dedicated his 1978 song “The Promised Land” to Renee Good, a mother recently killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
A Song of Protest and Remembrance
Before performing “The Promised Land,” Springsteen described the song as an “ode to American possibility,” acknowledging both the country’s strengths and flaws. He stated that the United States is facing “incredibly critical times,” with its core values “being tested as [they] have never been in modern times.”
Springsteen directly addressed the situation in Minneapolis, stating, “ICE should get the fuck out of Minneapolis,” echoing a sentiment expressed by the city’s mayor. He dedicated the song to Renee Good, a mother of three and American citizen, and to the memory of all those affected by the ICE raids.
A Pattern of Political Expression
This is not the first time Springsteen has used his platform to express political views. Last year, he began a show in Manchester, England, with a speech denouncing President Donald J. Trump’s “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration.”
Over the past decade, Springsteen has repeatedly criticized Trump and his policies, and publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. presidential election. He has also released songs directly addressing political themes, such as a protest song with Joe Grushecky.
Beyond his musical and political activities, Springsteen recently released Nebraska ’82: Expanded Edition and participated in discussions about his new biopic, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Springsteen’s comments about ICE?
Springsteen’s comments were prompted by ongoing ICE raids in Minnesota and the recent death of Renee Good, an American citizen killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Has Springsteen been politically outspoken before?
Yes, Springsteen has been politically outspoken for the better part of a decade, criticizing President Donald J. Trump and his policies, and endorsing political candidates like Vice President Kamala Harris.
What is the Light of Day WinterFest?
The Light of Day WinterFest is a non-profit event in New Jersey that Springsteen regularly supports with surprise performances.
Given Springsteen’s history of political engagement, it is likely he will continue to use his platform to address issues he deems important, potentially influencing public discourse and inspiring further activism. It remains to be seen if his recent comments will lead to any specific policy changes or increased scrutiny of ICE’s operations.
