At a recent Light of Day Winterfest concert in Red Bank, New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen paid tribute to Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old Minneapolis woman who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent while driving in her car. The emotional moment came when Springsteen dedicated his iconic song "The Promised Land" to Good.
Springsteen initially wrote the song for his 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town," as a tribute to American possibility, but its message has taken on new significance in recent times. As the country grapples with critical issues and is tested like never before, Springsteen stated that values are being pushed to their limits.
"Incredibly critical times we're living in, and our values have never been under so much scrutiny," he said. "If you believe in democracy and liberty, if you believe truth still matters... then it's worth speaking out, fighting for."
Springsteen specifically addressed the treatment of Renee Good, who was shot by ICE agents while driving home from work. Contrary to federal officials' claims that she was attempting to run over the officer, eyewitness accounts and video footage support the notion that she was simply trying to escape.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for ICE to leave the city. Springsteen echoed this sentiment, quoting Frey as saying "ICE should get out of Minneapolis."
The Trump administration responded by dismissing Springsteen's criticism, stating that he held "bad political opinions." However, a spokesperson for Abigail Jackson argued that if Springsteen genuinely believed in the power of the law, he would understand the importance of enforcing deportation orders and protecting federal officers.
Springsteen initially wrote the song for his 1978 album "Darkness on the Edge of Town," as a tribute to American possibility, but its message has taken on new significance in recent times. As the country grapples with critical issues and is tested like never before, Springsteen stated that values are being pushed to their limits.
"Incredibly critical times we're living in, and our values have never been under so much scrutiny," he said. "If you believe in democracy and liberty, if you believe truth still matters... then it's worth speaking out, fighting for."
Springsteen specifically addressed the treatment of Renee Good, who was shot by ICE agents while driving home from work. Contrary to federal officials' claims that she was attempting to run over the officer, eyewitness accounts and video footage support the notion that she was simply trying to escape.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey calling for ICE to leave the city. Springsteen echoed this sentiment, quoting Frey as saying "ICE should get out of Minneapolis."
The Trump administration responded by dismissing Springsteen's criticism, stating that he held "bad political opinions." However, a spokesperson for Abigail Jackson argued that if Springsteen genuinely believed in the power of the law, he would understand the importance of enforcing deportation orders and protecting federal officers.
when u see someone like bruce springsteen speak out against ICE... he's not just a musician, he's using his platform to shine a light on these super dark issues 
. Renee Nicole Good was just trying to go home from work and ended up getting shot by an agent... it's wild 
. Springsteen's message about values being pushed to the limit is so true 
. we gotta speak out if we believe in democracy, liberty, and truth still matters 
. but u know what's even crazier? The people who try to silence artists like springsteen with their "bad political opinions" 
... like, hello? can't they see that art is a way of life? 
. It seems like everyone's just trying to stir up drama and get attention. I mean, what's with all these protests and boycotts? Can't we just talk it out like civilized people? 
And what's the point of having a government if they're just gonna dismiss someone's concerns like that? 
It's just too much for me...
.
. We should be celebrating our differences & fighting for what's right, not tearing people down with hate & fear.
. ICE needs to take a hike outta Minneapolis ASAP and let Renee Nicole Good rest in peace 
Renee Good was just trying to get home from work and this happened to her 
His message about fighting for democracy & truth is so important right now, we need people like him speaking out 
and I'm glad the mayor is calling for ICE to leave Minneapolis, they shouldn't be there in the first place 
. I feel like Springsteen's dedication was more than just a tribute - it was a call to action 
. We're living in some crazy times right now, and it's easy to get caught up in the noise. But if we don't stand up for what we believe in, we risk losing everything that makes us human 
.
. I mean, we're supposed to be a country of immigrants and freedom, but now we're treating people like they're not even human 
. It's time for us to take a hard look at our values and figure out what we really stand for 
.
, and I'm glad he's using his platform to speak out against this kind of injustice 
. We need more voices like him - ones that aren't afraid to take a stand and fight for what's right 
.
. The way the Trump administration responded to this situation is just disgusting, trying to smear Bruce Springsteen like that... 
. it's crazy how the system fails people like her and Springsteen is using his platform to say something about it 
. i feel so bad for Renee's family and friends, they deserve justice 
. and can we talk about how Trumps admin is trying to discredit Springsteen? like, what even is that? 
Springsteen did an amazing tribute at his concert & I'm so inspired by his words