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Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ Scores Powerful New Anti-ICE Video

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ Scores Powerful New Anti-ICE Video

Valeriy Bagrintsev Valeriy Bagrintsev
6 minute read

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ Scores Powerful New Anti-ICE Video

Bruce Springsteen’s iconic track ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ fuels a striking new anti-ICE video, amplifying voices against immigration enforcement.

When The Boss Meets Protest: A Song Reborn

There’s something electrifying about hearing Bruce Springsteen’s unmistakable voice layered over footage of modern-day struggle and resistance. His classic anthem, “Born In The U.S.A.”, has been reimagined as the soundtrack to a hard-hitting new video condemning the actions of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). For longtime fans like me, this blend of music and activism feels both poignant and necessary—a reminder that Springsteen’s music has always spoken for the working class and the overlooked.

Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen performing passionately, embodying the voice of America’s working class.

The Video: A Stark Look at ICE’s Impact

The video opens with footage of Springsteen himself demanding ICE to “get the fuck out of Minneapolis,” a bold and unfiltered statement that sets the tone immediately. From there, the video shifts to show the faces and stories of victims recently arrested by ICE agents, including the heartbreaking case of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer named Jonathan Ross on January 7th in Minneapolis.

Springsteen’s voice continues to narrate the harsh reality: “They’re removing residents off America’s streets and without due process and are deporting them to foreign detention centres and prisons.” The gravity of those words hits home. It’s a visceral, jarring watch that turns our attention to the human cost often glossed over in political debates.

Springsteen’s Endorsement: Music Meets Message

According to the Asbury Park Press, Springsteen authorized the use of his official music video footage and live concert snippets, where he’s been vocal against the immigration policies imposed by the Trump administration. It’s not just the song—it’s the full weight of the man behind it lending his platform and voice to this cause.

This isn’t the first time Springsteen has stepped into the spotlight on this issue. Just recently, he debuted another protest anthem, “Streets Of Minneapolis,” during a surprise performance at a benefit concert hosted by Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine. The concert aimed to rally solidarity and resistance in the wake of the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, both shot by ICE agents within weeks of each other.

A Call to Action in Minneapolis and Beyond

Alex Pretti’s story is especially harrowing—shot ten times in just five seconds by an ICE officer on January 24th, Pretti was a U.S. citizen actively participating in protests following Good’s death. These events have ignited an outcry far beyond Minnesota, grabbing the attention of artists and activists nationwide.

The benefit show, organized by Morello, promised the Minnesota community “solidarity and resistance,” showing how music and activism can fuse to inspire action. It was a night charged with emotion and purpose, where Springsteen’s new song and presence underscored the urgency of the moment.

The Administration Pushback: Music Meets Politics

Predictably, not everyone received Springsteen’s protest warmly. The Trump administration dismissed “Streets Of Minneapolis” as irrelevant, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stating the administration’s focus was on collaborating with local authorities to remove “dangerous criminal illegal aliens,” rather than heeding “random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”

This reaction only fuels the fire for artists and activists alike, who see music as one of the most potent tools for raising awareness and fostering empathy. After all, as The Boss has shown throughout his career, a great song can be a rallying cry for justice.

Artists Rallying Together Against ICE

Springsteen is far from alone in this fight. A growing chorus of musicians and celebrities have used their platforms to speak out against ICE and advocate for immigrant rights. Names like Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, Moby, Zara Larsson, and even actors like Joe Keery and Yuri Lowenthal have publicly voiced opposition to ICE’s practices and policies.

The involvement of diverse artists from genres and industries big and small signals a widespread cultural resistance—proof that music and popular culture continue to shape political conversations in powerful ways.

Watch The Video Here

Check out the video combining Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” with the urgent message against ICE below, and feel that familiar rush of music meeting movement:

Springsteen’s Enduring Legacy of Speaking Out

Bruce Springsteen has never shied away from addressing America’s toughest issues, and his involvement here is just the latest chapter in his storied career. For fans who have followed him since Born In The U.S.A. burst onto the charts, seeing that song used now as a protest against injustice feels like a full-circle moment—a reminder that some anthems never lose their bite or relevance.

“They’re removing residents off America’s streets and without due process and are deporting them to foreign detention centres and prisons.” — Bruce Springsteen

Music is a vehicle for change, and this video stands as a testament to that timeless truth.

FAQ

  • How has Bruce Springsteen contributed to the anti-ICE movement?
    Bruce Springsteen lent his song "Born In The U.S.A." and authorized footage from his live concerts and music videos to be used in a powerful video criticizing ICE's actions.
  • Who are Renee Good and Alex Pretti?
    They were U.S. citizens killed by ICE agents in Minneapolis, sparking protests and inspiring new anti-ICE songs and benefit concerts.
  • What was the purpose of the benefit concert organized by Tom Morello?
    The concert aimed to show solidarity and resistance in Minnesota following the deaths caused by ICE agents, featuring artists like Springsteen to raise awareness.
  • How did the Trump administration respond to Springsteen's protest song?
    The administration dismissed the song as irrelevant and emphasized their focus on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens through local cooperation.
  • Which other celebrities have spoken out against ICE?
    Notable figures include Billie Eilish, Green Day, Neil Young, Moby, Zara Larsson, Joe Keery, and Yuri Lowenthal, among others.

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