Bruce Springsteen Condemns Trump and ICE Actions During Surprise Winterfest Appearance

RED BANK, N.J. — In an unannounced appearance at the 2026 Light of Day Winterfest, Bruce Springsteen delivered a forceful political message, criticizing President Donald Trump and the actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis.

Springsteen took the stage at Count Basie Theater and paused before performing his 1978 song “The Promised Land” to address the audience. The song, long associated with working-class struggle and perseverance, framed remarks that focused on democracy, civil liberties, and the current political climate in the United States.

“I wrote this song as an ode to American possibility,” Springsteen said, according to local reports and videos posted online. He described the U.S. as “a beautiful but flawed country” whose core values are now being tested “as they have never been in modern times.”

Springsteen went on to criticize what he called the “invasive” presence of federal agents in Minneapolis, referencing reports surrounding Good’s death on Jan. 7. Authorities have said Good was killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross during an encounter that occurred just blocks from where George Floyd was killed by police in 2020 — a comparison that has intensified public outrage.

“If you believe in democracy, in liberty, and that truth still matters, then send a message to this President,” Springsteen told the crowd, also condemning what he described as militarized tactics used against civilians.

He dedicated “The Promised Land” to the audience and to the memory of Good, a mother of three and U.S. citizen. Springsteen echoed comments attributed to Minneapolis city leadership calling for ICE to leave the city.

Earlier the same day, the U.S. Justice Department said it would not open a federal investigation into Good’s killing, a decision that has drawn criticism from civil rights advocates and community leaders.

Springsteen has been a longtime and outspoken critic of Trump, frequently using his platform to comment on social justice and American political life. His surprise remarks at Winterfest underscored how deeply the issue has resonated beyond Minneapolis, reaching even a benefit concert stage in New Jersey.