American singers, composers, and songwriters are expressing their anger in various ways over the killing of two of their fellow citizens from Minneapolis in January by federal immigration police officers.
This case has been added to a series of other topics addressed by “protest songs” critical of President Donald Trump, including: his campaign against immigrants, his renaming of the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” the US military operation in Venezuela, the dismantling of the health insurance program, and poverty in the United States.
This week, a number of singers musically denounced the killing of nurse Alex Pretty (37 years old) last Saturday by border patrol agents, and before him, Rene Good, a mother of three children also 37 years old, who was killed on January 7 by immigration enforcement police “ICE.”
“Resistance is Singing”
In the streets and churches of Minneapolis, the group “Singing Resistance” initiated singing for love and brotherhood, calling for the “abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.” Others saw turning to social media platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, as the fastest way to influence youth.
The song “Genuine American Hero” by guitarist Joseph Terrell about Rene Good garnered millions of views online and became an anthem against immigration police. In this song, the musician mocks the police officer who killed Good “by shooting her in the face,” with lyrics including: “He protects us and drags us from our homes and offices, yes he’s a genuine American hero.”
– <a>Due to Trump’s policies… an American pianist cancels the world premiere of his symphony at the Kennedy Center
– <a>”Be good…” Stars protest against US Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Golden Globe Awards
– <a>Joan Baez returns to the studio to record an anti-Trump song
As for musician Jesse Wells (33 years old), he has become something of a bard for the protest movement against Trump, reaching a wide audience at concerts and on social networks in collaboration with the famous singer Joan Baez. His music videos have amassed over 200 million views on TikTok alone, and he has been nominated for four Grammy Awards this year, including Best Folk Album.
Lyrics from one of his songs include: “Join ICE, son, it’s not so bad… If you feel you lack power, come with me to hunt minorities.”
Star Bruce Springsteen released the song “Streets of Minneapolis” on Wednesday, in which he criticizes what he described as “King Trump’s private army.” He wrote on his website: “I wrote this song against the intimidation raining down on Minneapolis.” He added: “It is dedicated to the city’s residents, our innocent immigrant neighbors, and to the memory of Alex Pretty and Rene Good… Let’s stay free.”
Country music singer Brian Andrews also garnered millions of views on TikTok due to his stances against the “Make America Great Again” movement (the slogan of Trump’s supporters) and ICE raids.
Country star Zach Bryan faced a harsh response from the US government in October for his song “Bad News,” which included the lyric “ICE will come to tear your door off,” angering the Trump administration.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem responded to him by saying: “This song is completely disrespectful, not only to the security forces, but to this country as well.”
Minneapolis
Minneapolis is a major city in Minnesota, founded on the Mississippi River’s Saint Anthony Falls, which provided hydropower for its early growth as a national flour milling center. Its name combines the Dakota word “minne” for water and the Greek “polis” for city, reflecting its deep indigenous roots and industrial history. Today, it is known for its vibrant arts scene, extensive park system, and modern urban landscape.
Department of Defense
The Department of Defense is the United States federal department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government related directly to national security and the military. It was established in 1947 through the National Security Act, which merged the Department of War and the Department of the Navy into a single, unified department.
Department of War
The Department of War was a former executive department of the U.S. federal government, established in 1789 to manage the nation’s military affairs and the U.S. Army. It was headed by the Secretary of War until 1947, when it was reorganized and renamed as the Department of the Army within the newly created National Military Establishment (later the Department of Defense).
Venezuela
Venezuela is a South American country known for its diverse landscapes, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls. Historically, it was a Spanish colony until achieving independence in the early 19th century under leaders like Simón Bolívar, becoming a major oil producer in the 20th century. Its cultural heritage blends Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, evident in its music, art, and festivals.
United States
The United States is a federal republic founded in 1776 following its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain, establishing itself through a revolutionary war and the subsequent adoption of its Constitution in 1787. It grew from thirteen original colonies into a continental nation, becoming a global superpower in the 20th century with significant influence in economics, politics, and culture.
Instagram
Instagram is a social media platform founded in 2010, initially focused on sharing photos and videos with artistic filters. It rapidly grew in popularity and was acquired by Facebook (now Meta) in 2012, evolving into a major hub for visual communication, influencer marketing, and digital culture.
TikTok
TikTok is a social media platform for sharing short-form videos, launched internationally in 2017 by the Chinese company ByteDance after merging with its predecessor, Douyin. It rapidly grew into a global cultural phenomenon, significantly influencing music, trends, and digital entertainment.
Kennedy Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., is a national cultural center and a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, established by Congress in 1958 and opened to the public in 1971. It hosts thousands of performances annually across its multiple theaters, featuring music, dance, and theater from across the United States and around the world.
Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globe Awards are an annual ceremony honoring achievements in film and television, founded in 1944 by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). Initially a small gathering, the awards have grown into a major televised event known for its more relaxed atmosphere compared to the Oscars and for its separate categories for drama and musical/comedy films.
Grammy Awards
The Grammy Awards are an annual ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the music industry, first held in 1959. Organized by the Recording Academy, the awards recognize artistic and technical excellence across numerous genres and categories.
