A. Rahman
Summary:
Thousands gathered in Minneapolis on Friday for “A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota,” a benefit and protest event at the First Avenue venue. Headliner Tom Morello organized the show to raise money for families of people killed in shootings by federal immigration agents. Surprise guest Bruce Springsteen performed his new protest song Streets of Minneapolis and joined the lineup, energizing the crowd as chants of “ICE out now” echoed. The concert capped a larger day of demonstrations downtown tied to nationwide protests against immigration enforcement.
Music and activism came together in downtown Minneapolis on Friday as thousands attended a powerful protest concert and demonstrations against federal immigration enforcement. The event, titled “A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota,” was held at the iconic First Avenue club and organized by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine to support the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed in recent confrontations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The concert lineup featured Morello, Chicago punk band Rise Against, guitarist Al Di Meola, singer Ike Reilly, and other performers. Doors opened just before noon and the benefit show drew a sold-out crowd, with all ticket proceeds pledged to the victims’ families.
Local attendees and national media were surprised when Bruce Springsteen appeared as a special guest and took the stage with Morello and the band. Springsteen performed his newly released protest song Streets of Minneapolis for the first time live, capturing the energy of the moment as the audience responded with chants demanding federal immigration agents be removed from the state.
Springsteen then joined Morello for an extended performance of his song “The Ghost of Tom Joad” and other selections, blending his rock legacy with the politically charged message of the day. Fans at the venue and online described the surprise appearance as a historic moment that energized both music lovers and activists.
The concert was part of wider protests in Minneapolis and across the United States, where demonstrators marched and rallied to call attention to federal immigration operations and urge policy changes. Many protesters carried signs, chanted slogans, and stayed through the afternoon into the evening as part of a “National Day of Action” that also saw work stoppages, marches, and solidarity demonstrations in cities including Chicago, New York and Portland.
Organizers said the Minneapolis event was not just about music but about community, justice and resistance. “You have stood up for your neighbors and for yourselves, for democracy and for justice,” Morello told the crowd, highlighting the blend of artistic performance and activism.
Supporters at the concert and protests in the streets said they hoped the event would keep pressure on political leaders and raise both awareness and funds for families affected by recent tragedy. As the night progressed, chants and songs continued, reflecting a sense of unity among the crowd and a shared call for change in how immigration enforcement is conducted nationwide.
