Tom Morello delivered a high-energy performance at a solidarity concert against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, blending classics from Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Woody Guthrie to rally the crowd.
The Concert’s Purpose and Atmosphere
The event took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the iconic First Avenue venue during lunchtime. Organized as a “Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota,” it responded to the recent fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents. Protests persist in the city, with local officials demanding the removal of all ICE operations.
Bruce Springsteen made an unannounced appearance as the headliner, debuting his new anti-ICE track “Streets of Minneapolis.” Morello joined Springsteen onstage for a powerful rendition of “The Ghost of Tom Joad,” amplifying the evening’s message of resistance.
Morello’s Set and Crowd Interaction
Morello addressed the audience before launching into his set, stating, “Brothers and sisters, thank you for welcoming us to the battle of Minneapolis. Minneapolis is an inspiration to the entire nation. You have heroically stood up against ICE, stood up against Trump, stood up against this terrible rising tide of state terror. You have stood up for your neighbors and for yourselves and for democracy and for justice. Ain’t nobody comin’ to save us except us, and brothers and sisters, you are showing the way.”
He opened with a fiery take on Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name,” igniting the crowd. The performance continued with Audioslave’s “Cochise,” Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” and an extended medley of Rage tracks including “Bombtrack,” “Know Your Enemy,” “Bulls on Parade,” “Guerrilla Radio,” “Sleep Now in the Fire,” and “Bullet in the Head.” Other songs featured “Soldier in the Army of Love,” “Hold the Line,” “One Man Revolution,” “Keep Going,” and Audioslave’s “Like a Stone.”
The full lineup closed with a collective performance of John Lennon’s “Power to the People.” Morello further energized the room by declaring, “I heard the Trump administration has claimed that outside agitators have come to Minneapolis to stir up trouble. I would like to confirm that we are those outside agitators, and we’re gonna stir up a shit-ton of trouble.”
Springsteen’s Debut and Official Response
Introducing “Streets of Minneapolis,” Springsteen shared that Morello had advised him, “Nuance is wonderful, but sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth.” He dedicated the song to the people of Minneapolis and the United States, prompting chants of “ICE out now!” from the packed venue.
The Trump administration criticized the track the following day, with White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson issuing a statement: “The Trump administration is focused on encouraging state and local Democrats to work with federal law enforcement officers on removing dangerous criminal illegal aliens from their communities – not random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.” She added that media coverage should highlight Democrats’ refusal to cooperate, instead providing sanctuary to such individuals.
Broader Context and Upcoming Shows
Morello, a vocal critic of ICE and the current administration, previously curated a “Fuck ICE” playlist over the summer and joined anti-ICE demonstrations last year. Other artists voicing opposition include Billie Eilish, who urged celebrities to speak out; her brother Finneas, who challenged conservative arguments on gun laws related to Pretti’s death; and figures like Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, Moby, Zara Larsson, Joe Keery, Yuri Lowenthal, Duran Duran, and Dave Matthews.
Morello has a one-off headline show scheduled in London this summer as part of a European tour, plus an appearance at Download Festival 2026.
