Bruce Springsteen’s Anthem of Protest: A New Wave of Artists Using Music for Social Change
Bruce Springsteen has authorized the utilize of his iconic song, “Born in the U.S.A.,” in a powerful new anti-ICE video, signaling a growing trend of musicians leveraging their platforms for political and social commentary. The video, released on February 11, 2026, highlights the stories of U.S. Citizens impacted by ICE actions, including the tragic death of Renee Solid in Minneapolis.
The Power of Music in Activism: A Historical Perspective
The use of music as a tool for protest is not new. From Bob Dylan’s anti-war anthems in the 1960s to Public Enemy’s politically charged rap in the 1980s, artists have long used their art to challenge the status quo. Springsteen’s decision to lend his song to this cause builds on this legacy, demonstrating the continued relevance of music in contemporary social movements.
ICE Under Scrutiny: The Cases Fueling the Protest
The video specifically focuses on cases like that of George Retes, a 26-year-old Army veteran detained by ICE for three days, and Renee Good, a U.S. Citizen fatally shot by an ICE agent. These incidents, along with others documented in the video, underscore concerns about ICE’s practices and the potential for wrongful detentions and use of force. Springsteen himself is heard in the video stating, “They’re removing residents off America’s streets and without due process and are deporting them to foreign detention centres, and prisons.”
Beyond “Born in the U.S.A.”: Springsteen’s Recent Activism
This isn’t an isolated incident. Springsteen recently debuted his protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” at a benefit concert organized by Tom Morello, guitarist for Rage Against The Machine. This concert was a direct response to the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both shot and killed by ICE agents. The artist’s willingness to perform and authorize the use of his music for these causes demonstrates a clear commitment to raising awareness about immigration issues.
A Chorus of Support: Other Artists Joining the Movement
Springsteen is not alone in his activism. A growing number of artists, including Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, Moby, Zara Larsson, and Dave Matthews, have publicly criticized ICE and current U.S. Immigration policies. This collective voice amplifies the message and reaches a wider audience.
The Role of Filmmakers in Amplifying the Message
Filmmaker Robert Greenwald played a key role in creating the “Born in the U.S.A.” video, combining Springsteen’s music and footage with compelling visuals and interviews. Greenwald’s work highlights the power of visual media in shaping public opinion and driving social change.
Future Trends: Music as a Direct Action Tool
We can expect to see a continued rise in artists using their music not just to raise awareness, but also to directly support affected communities. This could include fundraising concerts, benefit albums, and collaborations with organizations providing legal assistance to those impacted by ICE actions. The use of social media to disseminate these messages will also become increasingly important.
Did you understand? Springsteen authorized the use of his music video, live footage, and narration from recent concerts where he criticized Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
FAQ
Q: Why did Bruce Springsteen allow his song to be used in this video?
A: Springsteen has been a vocal critic of ICE and current immigration policies and authorized the use of his music to raise awareness about the issue.
Q: What is the main focus of the video?
A: The video highlights the stories of U.S. Citizens who have been “attacked” or fatally shot by ICE agents.
Q: Who directed the video?
A: The video was directed by filmmaker Robert Greenwald.
Pro Tip: Support artists who use their platforms to advocate for causes you believe in. Sharing their work and attending their events can amplify their message.
What are your thoughts on artists using their platforms for political activism? Share your opinions in the comments below!
