Protest Songs Emerge from Music World in Response to ICE Brutality
As the US continues to grapple with the violent tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a growing number of musicians have turned their voices against the agency. The death of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis has sparked outrage and protests nationwide.
Bruce Springsteen's latest song, "Streets of Minneapolis," is a scathing critique of Trump's orders, which led to the two deaths. With lyrics that recall another protest song from Springsteen's past, "Streets of Philadelphia," the song serves as a powerful reminder of the agency's brutal tactics.
The title of My Morning Jacket's benefit album, "Peacelands," speaks for itself - a plea for peace in the face of ICE brutality. The group released an acoustic rendition of Brian Wilson's "Love and Mercy" alongside other songs, all of which will be available exclusively on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to charities like the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Rescue Committee.
NOFX, known for their irreverent style, has taken aim at ICE in their latest release, "Minnesota Nazis." The song's lyrics question the cowardice of agents who hide behind masks while shooting unarmed women and children. The band is far from done - even with their final concert under their belt.
Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes" serves as a tribute to Renee Good, whose death inspired the singer-songwriter to write this powerful song. Flipping the message from Pastor Martin Niemöller's Holocaust protest poem, "First They Came," Bragg sings about standing up against ICE agents who seek to silence those who resist.
The Dropkick Murphys have been performing "Citizen I.C.E." for months now - a tongue-in-cheek recruitment song that highlights the agency's flaws. The band released a clip of the song in tribute to Renee Good, with a message that echoes their own stance against ICE brutality.
Lastly, Bon Iver has posted a live recording of their gospel-inflected song "Naeem" (Can't You Hear Crying)" - a powerful gesture of support for those fighting against ICE. The band recorded this version at an Italian festival in 2023 and will be available exclusively on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
These songs represent just one side of the growing chorus of resistance against ICE brutality. As protests continue nationwide, it's clear that music will play a vital role in fueling the movement for change.
As the US continues to grapple with the violent tactics of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a growing number of musicians have turned their voices against the agency. The death of two U.S. citizens, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of ICE agents in Minneapolis has sparked outrage and protests nationwide.
Bruce Springsteen's latest song, "Streets of Minneapolis," is a scathing critique of Trump's orders, which led to the two deaths. With lyrics that recall another protest song from Springsteen's past, "Streets of Philadelphia," the song serves as a powerful reminder of the agency's brutal tactics.
The title of My Morning Jacket's benefit album, "Peacelands," speaks for itself - a plea for peace in the face of ICE brutality. The group released an acoustic rendition of Brian Wilson's "Love and Mercy" alongside other songs, all of which will be available exclusively on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to charities like the ACLU, Doctors Without Borders, and the International Rescue Committee.
NOFX, known for their irreverent style, has taken aim at ICE in their latest release, "Minnesota Nazis." The song's lyrics question the cowardice of agents who hide behind masks while shooting unarmed women and children. The band is far from done - even with their final concert under their belt.
Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes" serves as a tribute to Renee Good, whose death inspired the singer-songwriter to write this powerful song. Flipping the message from Pastor Martin Niemöller's Holocaust protest poem, "First They Came," Bragg sings about standing up against ICE agents who seek to silence those who resist.
The Dropkick Murphys have been performing "Citizen I.C.E." for months now - a tongue-in-cheek recruitment song that highlights the agency's flaws. The band released a clip of the song in tribute to Renee Good, with a message that echoes their own stance against ICE brutality.
Lastly, Bon Iver has posted a live recording of their gospel-inflected song "Naeem" (Can't You Hear Crying)" - a powerful gesture of support for those fighting against ICE. The band recorded this version at an Italian festival in 2023 and will be available exclusively on Bandcamp, with proceeds going to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
These songs represent just one side of the growing chorus of resistance against ICE brutality. As protests continue nationwide, it's clear that music will play a vital role in fueling the movement for change.
I'm loving this new wave of protest songs coming out! It's so inspiring to see artists using their platform to speak out against ICE brutality 
"Streets of Minneapolis" by Bruce Springsteen is giving me all the feels, and My Morning Jacket's "Peacelands" album is a beautiful plea for peace. I also adore NOFX's "Minnesota Nazis" - it's so powerful to see a band like them using their music to call out ICE agents who hide behind masks while shooting unarmed people 
The fact that Billy Bragg wrote "City of Heroes" in tribute to Renee Good is just heartbreaking, and I love how he flipped the message from Pastor Niemöller's poem. And let's not forget about The Dropkick Murphys' tongue-in-cheek recruitment song for ICE - it's genius! 
Last but not least, Bon Iver's live recording of "Naeem" is giving me chills... I'm definitely going to be listening to these songs on repeat while I attend some upcoming protests. 
, but I gotta say, some of these songs feel like a bit of an overreaction 
. Like, I get that ICE brutality is horrific, and it's totally unacceptable, but can't we just take a step back and think about the bigger picture? We need to acknowledge that our government isn't perfect 
.
, but some of the other songs feel a bit too angry and divisive 
. But seriously, I'm not surprised more musicians are speaking out against this kind of thing. It's been pretty clear what's going on with ICE for a while now. At least these new songs will be something people can actually do something about - buy some music or support those charities 
about all these sick protest songs dropping like this!!! Bruce Springsteen's "Streets of Minneapolis" is like the anthem we need right now 
my heart goes out to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, god rest their souls... it's so messed up how ICE can be so brutal like that 
but at the same time, I'm so hyped that there are people using their music to speak out against this 
it's like the music world is coming together to stand up against ICE brutality 
and honestly, that gives me hope for a better future 
bruce springsteen's new song "Streets of Minneapolis" is on point 
and my morning jacket's "Peacelands" album sounds like a great way to raise awareness and funds for charities 
.
. And some of the lyrics are just plain scary 
it's time we stand with those fighting for justice and human rights 
Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes" is giving me all the feels 
and The Dropkick Murphys' "Citizen I.C.E." is like, a call to action 
let's keep the momentum going and make some real change 
️
meanwhile, bon iver's "naeem" is giving me all the feels too 
NOFX's song "Minnesota Nazis" is also really powerful, it makes you think about how these agents are just cowards hiding behind masks. And Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes" is such a beautiful tribute to Renee Good, its like he's speaking straight from his heart 
The music world is speaking up 
about ICE brutality 
, and it's so needed right now 
. I'm loving the fact that proceeds from some of these songs are going to charities that help immigrants 
in need 
, and with songs like "Streets of Minneapolis" 
and "Citizen I.C.E." 
. Let's keep the noise loud 
and bruce springsteen's new song is so powerful 
, especially Bruce Springsteen's new track - it's like he's speaking straight to my soul 
? These songs are proof that even in the darkest times, music can be a powerful tool for change 
how many more lives gotta be lost before ppl wake up?? 
anyway, quick stats on protest songs: 
It's like they think we're just gonna sit back and let them get away with this stuff. The fact that these songs are coming out in response to all this brutality is amazing, though. It's like the music world is finally speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves. I'm loving the way My Morning Jacket's "Peacelands" album is going straight to Bandcamp - like, let's get the money directly to the people who need it most 
. And I have so much respect for Billy Bragg writing a song about Renee Good - that's some real courage right there