Bruce Springsteen’s recently penned song “Streets of Minneapolis” has ignited a significant response from White House spokeswoman Abigail Johnson. Released earlier this week, the track draws inspiration from the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who lost their lives in Minneapolis at the hands of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents.
Response from the White House
In a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson addressed Springsteen’s song, stating, “The Trump administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities — not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”
She further emphasized, “The media should cover how Democrats have refused to work with the administration, and instead, opted to provide sanctuary for these criminal illegals.”
Background on Renee Good and Alex Pretti
Renee Good and Alex Pretti were both victims of fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis. On January 7, ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot Good, while Pretti was shot by federal agents on January 24. Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, was reportedly recording the actions of CBP officers when he was attacked. Videos from the incident show agents pinning him to the ground and using force against him.
These tragic events have sparked nationwide calls for thorough investigations into the actions of ICE and a reevaluation of the agency’s presence in Minneapolis.
Springsteen’s Dedication
In a heartfelt message on Facebook, Springsteen explained the motivation behind “Streets of Minneapolis,” stating, “I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renée Good. Stay free.”
Reactions from Other Artists
Bruce Springsteen is not alone in his condemnation of the actions that led to the deaths of Good and Pretti. Fellow rock musician Graham Nash issued a powerful statement against ICE and President Donald Trump, expressing his outrage: “F**K ICE… and since these murderers are part of a government-sanctioned agency I’ll say this and don’t bother getting mad about it: F**K TRUMP too.”
Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe used his platform to urge others to speak out and emphasized the importance of acknowledging the reality of these tragic events. He stated, “You have eyes to see the truth of the horrors happening all around us. You have eyes to see the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. No, my friends, you are not crazy. Things are bad. Really, really bad. This is not normal.”
Journey guitarist Neal Schon also expressed his discontent, succinctly stating on social media, “This is fucking insane and it all needs to stop.”
Additionally, Tom Morello, known for his outspoken activism, referred to ICE as “masked federal government secret police murdering US citizens” and organized a concert in Minneapolis to raise funds for the families of Good and Pretti.
Conclusion
The release of “Streets of Minneapolis” by Bruce Springsteen has not only sparked a dialogue about the current state of immigration enforcement in the United States but has also united various artists in a shared condemnation of violence against civilians. As the nation grapples with the implications of these tragic events, the voices of musicians and public figures continue to resonate, urging action and change.
FAQs
What is the song “Streets of Minneapolis” about?
The song addresses the violent deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti at the hands of federal agents and expresses solidarity with the immigrant community in Minneapolis.
What was the White House’s response to the song?
White House spokeswoman Abigail Johnson criticized the song, suggesting it contains “irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information,” and called for a focus on collaboration between local Democrats and federal law enforcement.
Who were Renee Good and Alex Pretti?
Renee Good and Alex Pretti were victims of fatal shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting calls for investigation and accountability regarding ICE’s actions.
How have other artists reacted to the deaths of Good and Pretti?
Musicians like Graham Nash, Randy Blythe, Neal Schon, and Tom Morello have publicly condemned ICE and called for awareness and action regarding the violence inflicted by federal agents.
