Bruce Springsteen dedicated his iconic song "The Promised Land" to Renee Nicole Good, a Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in January. The performance took place at the Light of Day Winterfest in Red Bank, New Jersey, where the Boss addressed the crowd about the country's current state.
Springsteen wrote "The Promised Land" for his 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town," envisioning it as an ode to American possibility. However, he acknowledged that the United States is facing unprecedented challenges, with its values being tested like never before. The Trump administration's immigration crackdowns and mass deportations have left many questioning the country's democratic foundations.
As Springsteen spoke, his words echoed the sentiments of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has called for ICE to leave the city. Springsteen quoted Frey's statement, saying "ICE should get out of Minneapolis." The song was dedicated to Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and U.S. citizen who was killed by an ICE agent after attempting to flee from agents circling her vehicle.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country, with Philadelphia officials calling for ICE's removal from Minneapolis. In response, the Trump administration dismissed Springsteen's dedication as a personal attack on their policies, claiming that the singer misunderstood the facts of the case.
Springsteen's message, however, resonated deeply with his audience, who gathered to show love and support for democracy, liberty, and the rule of law. The song "The Promised Land" took on a new significance, serving as a tribute to Renee Good and a call to action against injustice and oppression.
Springsteen wrote "The Promised Land" for his 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town," envisioning it as an ode to American possibility. However, he acknowledged that the United States is facing unprecedented challenges, with its values being tested like never before. The Trump administration's immigration crackdowns and mass deportations have left many questioning the country's democratic foundations.
As Springsteen spoke, his words echoed the sentiments of Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has called for ICE to leave the city. Springsteen quoted Frey's statement, saying "ICE should get out of Minneapolis." The song was dedicated to Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and U.S. citizen who was killed by an ICE agent after attempting to flee from agents circling her vehicle.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests across the country, with Philadelphia officials calling for ICE's removal from Minneapolis. In response, the Trump administration dismissed Springsteen's dedication as a personal attack on their policies, claiming that the singer misunderstood the facts of the case.
Springsteen's message, however, resonated deeply with his audience, who gathered to show love and support for democracy, liberty, and the rule of law. The song "The Promised Land" took on a new significance, serving as a tribute to Renee Good and a call to action against injustice and oppression.
... I don't think anyone should have to die like that because of the government's actions 
. It's crazy to me that Bruce Springsteen is using his platform to speak out against this stuff - he's giving a voice to people who can't be heard anymore 
. The way some politicians are reacting is just ridiculous, they're saying it's not an issue with their policies... come on! 
It's about respecting human life and treating people fairly. I wish more people would stand up like Bruce Springsteen does for what's right 
.
Bruce Springsteen is literally using his platform to spread love and justice, and it's giving me LIFE 
! I mean, "The Promised Land" was already an iconic song, but now it's even more meaningful considering what happened to Renee Nicole Good 
. It's like, the country is at a crossroads right now, and Springsteen is using his music to remind us of our values and what we stand for 
. And can we talk about how powerful it is that he quoted Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey? That mayor has been speaking truth to power for so long! 
Anyway, I'm all about this message of love and resistance – let's keep spreading it out there! 
. it's crazy how something like this can spark such outrage and protests across the country 
. and i'm loving that Springsteen quoted Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who has been calling for ICE to leave the city 
!
Also, I don't think the Trump admin's response was a good look for them, kind of dismissive and not taking the issue seriously. But at the same time, I do get why Springsteen might have felt the need to dedicate the song to Renee - it's a powerful message and it needs to be heard. 
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. I think we need more people like Springsteen speakin' out against injustice, even if it means ruffle some feathers 
. it's not about bein' confrontational, but about standin' up for what's right 
... her story is just heartbreaking. It makes you think about the world we're living in now, where people are still being targeted for who they are or where they come from 
. Springsteen's dedication was so powerful, it gave me chills 
. I wish more people would speak up like that and make us all feel seen and heard 
.
. But now, with what's going on with ICE and all, it feels like we're losing sight of that 
... And now they're saying Springsteen misunderstood the situation? That's some messed up spin 
... It's like, we need more people speaking out and using their platforms for good, but we also need to hold our leaders accountable for their actions 
Can we talk about how messed up it is that Renee Good's life was taken by an ICE agent? 
It's heartbreaking and infuriating at the same time #NeverAgain #HumanRightsMatter 
️. those trump policies are like a punch in the gut for anyone who believes in what we're supposed to stand for...ICE should indeed get outta Minneapolis, it's time for some accountability 
... Renee Nicole Good was just trying to live her life, make ends meet & raise her kids, but got caught up in the system & lost her battle 
... we gotta do better, folks!
i'm so grateful he's using his platform to speak out against injustice and oppression... it gives me hope that maybe we can make some real change 
It makes me wonder if we've lost sight of what's truly important. I mean, Renee Good was just a mom trying to protect her family, and that's what should be valued, not punished.