The presence of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents has disrupted and forever changed daily life for an increasing number of Minnesotans.
Both locally and nationally, musicians have raised their voices to respond with action, art, and words of solidarity. This page provides regular updates on musicians’ responses to ICE in Minnesota.
For more breaking news updates, follow MPR News’ reporting on ICE’s operation in Minnesota. And be sure to check out The Current’s Gig List for additional artists or bands taking donations or donating proceeds to community efforts at their shows.
U2 release new EP with song about Renee Good
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
On Ash Wednesday, U2 released a surprise EP titled Days of Ash. Over six songs, the band touches on a number of topics of the present moment. The opening track, “American Obituary,” is tied to ICE’s operations in Minnesota. “I started writing the lyric the day after the killing of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, which shook the world,” says Bono in an interview in U2’s Propaganda magazine (flip to page 14). “If you let people [get] away with that… you can kiss your democracy goodbye.” Bono later says it was inspired by Bob Dylan’s “It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding.”
Alan Sparhawk releases two new songs with portion of proceeds to benefit mutual aid
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
With “JCMF” and “No More Darkness,” Alan Sparhawk is back with music evocative of the present moment. A portion of the songs’ royalties will be donated to the International Institute of Minnesota. “This song reminds me to choose light in especially dark times,” says of “No More Darkness. “We were ending our set with this tune all year, and it is my wish for everyone, especially those who feel alone.”
papa mbye releases two new songs to benefit Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
A pair of new papa mbye songs arrived this month. Proceeds from the sales of “DOCTOR” and “R(1)0+IME” will go to Neighbors Helping Neighbors, an organization focused on assisting Twin Cities folks with transportation, groceries, and other services.
Recap & Photos: I.C.E OUT! benefit show aligns local stars to raise mutual aid at First Avenue
By Joel Swenson and Sara Fish | Monday, February 16, 2026
Held on Sunday, Feb. 15, in Minneapolis, the I.C.E. OUT! benefit show was hosted by Twin Cities United Performers and featured over two dozen Twin Cities musicians — including Hippo Campus, Justin Vernon, Durry, papa mbye, 26 BATS!, and many more — sharing the stage and covering protest songs.
Guests included Nadi McGill of Gully Boys; Kerry Alexander of Bad Bad Hats; Adam, Ava, Esther, Noah, and Isaac Levy; Craig Finn of the Hold Steady; Boyish; Raffaella; Henry Breen of WHY NOT; Grant Whiteoak of Heart to Gold; Maria Isa; Miloe; Lars Pruitt of Yam Haus; Landon Conrath; Amelia Meath of Sylvan Esso; Cory Wong; Mike Kota; Erik Paulson of Remo Drive; Your Smith; KC Rae of Now, Now; Dan Wilson of Semisonic; Alan Sparhawk; and Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum.
Read the full recap and see photos here
Curtiss A & Friends release single to benefit Immigrant Rapid Response Fund
Monday, February 16, 2026
A reimagining of the Left Banke’s 1966 hit “Walk Away Renée” was recorded at Creation Audio earlier this year by a group of Twin Cities musicians led by Curtiss A. The song is raising awareness for a GoFundMe benefiting Immigrant Rapid Response Fund. The full credits for the song are here.
Contra-ICE compilation to feature Ad Rock, Kathleen Hanna, Tom Morello, Ozomatli, and more
Friday, February 13, 2026
Contra-ICE Vol. 1 will include contributions from members of the Beastie Boys, Bikini Kill, Fishbone, Rage Against the Machine, Black Pumas, Ozomatli, and many others. The collective will donate proceeds from the album, out later this year, to several mutual aid organizations.
Learn more about Contra-ICE here
‘thaw’ compilation is a collection of 30 songs responding to ICE in Minnesota
Friday, February 13, 2026
26 BATS!, bathtub cig, FINICK, and many more local musicians are part of thaw, a 30-track compilation out Feb. 15. Organized by the Mess Records and Drifter Music Group, the project’s proceeds will benefit local mutual aid efforts. Its Bandcamp description says: “By the community, for the community, Thaw is a raw and genuine look into our experiences, a way to give back to our communities, share in our feelings, and be grounded in our resolve.”
Learn more about thaw here and download on Bandcamp
‘Melt ICE’ mutual aid compilation features 100-plus Minnesota musicians
Thursday, February 12, 2026
A massive grouping of 110 Minnesota musicians have come together for Melt ICE, a compilation released on Bandcamp. Night Moves, Yam Haus, Ber, runo plum, Kiss the Tiger, Durry, she’s green, and many more are part of the track listing. Proceeds will go to the MNTogether mutual aid fund.
Cloudland Theater will donate February ticket sales to local immigrant support
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Bring Me the News reports that south Minneapolis music venue Cloudland Theater is pledging to donate 100% of its door cut in February to Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC). Find out upcoming shows at Cloudland at The Current’s Gig List.
Read more at Bring Me the News here
Koo Koo release “Ope (Ice Out Remix)”
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Minneapolis children’s-forward rap duo Koo Koo have respun their song “Ope” with a message for ICE. “You down with I-C-E / No way not me,” is the refrain. Read their lyrics on Instagram.
Jim James: “To say that we love Minneapolis and Minnesota would be a great understatement”
Monday, February 9, 2026
My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James spoke with The Current host Zach McCormick about the band’s Peacelands album’s message and artwork, and sent love to the people of Minnesota.
Check out Zach’s conversation here
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show attracts highest audience in history, sends message of love
Sunday, February 8, 2026
Bad Bunny’s halftime performance was viewed by a record 135 million people, according to early figures obtained by CBS News. At the end, the big screen at Levi’s Stadium showed the message “The only thing more powerful than hate is love,” echoing Bad Bunny’s Grammys speech condemning actions by ICE.
Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong to ICE agents: “Quit your s****y jobs”
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Green Day gave two performances over the weekend in connection with Super Bowl LX. One was on Sunday inside Levi’s Stadium just minutes before kickoff. The other was on Friday at a Spotify-sponsored Super Bowl Party — and that one was not in front of a live TV audience of more than 100 million people. “To all the ICE agents out there, wherever you are,” said frontman Billie Joe Armstrong from the stage, “quit your s****y-ass job. Quit that s****y job you have. Because when this is over — and it will be over at some point in time — Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, JD Vance, Donald Trump, they’re gonna drop you like a bad f*****g habit. Come on this side of the line.”
The Format release “The Bar Is Set So Low” charity single to benefit immigration causes
Friday, February 6, 2026
The Format released a new song recorded during the sessions for their new album, Boycott Heaven. According to a message from the band on Bandcamp, 100% of the proceeds from "The Bar Is Set So Low" will be distributed to Women's Foundation of Minnesota's Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, Immigrant Defense Network, Advocates for Immigrant Rights, and Latino Memphis.
Superchunk re-release "Abolish ICE” T-shirts to support Minnesota causes
Friday, February 6, 2026
More songs from Minnesota musicians responding to ICE
Friday, February 6, 2026
Back in mid-January, The Current published a list of songs by local artists using their platform to respond to the ongoing operations of ICE in Minnesota. There are more that have arrived since then that approach the subject directly, and others that speak to related issues of the current moment. Here are a few:
Folk-Americana artist Jillian Rae comes out swinging on the self-explanatory “F**k ICE.”
Country rockers the Gated Community describe “a reign of tyranny in my hometown” on “Hope to Hell.”
A psychedelic rock song from Molly Brandt, “Do You Possess an Iron Will?” focuses on the struggle to keep going in the face of this time’s adversity.
David Huckfelt’s cover of Malcolm Holcombe’s “Yours No More” explores the broken bonds between immigrants and the American government. The song comes from Huckfelt’s I Was Born But…, which he’ll celebrate at a rescheduled release show on Feb. 19 at the Cedar Cultural Center.
R.E.M. call out Bruce Springsteen and Billy Bragg’s songs about Minneapolis
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Minnesota musicians assemble benefit compilations to support mutual aid
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Local musicians are pooling their talents for albums to support local causes tied to ICE’s ongoing operations in Minnesota. Benefitting Community Aid Network MN (CANMN), Music for Good: A Mixtape for MN Mutual Aid features 32 tracks spanning genres and styles and is available on Bandcamp. The Ice Out compilation album supports Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, and includes contributions from Sophie Hiroko, Molly Brandt, and more. Order a vinyl copy here.
Lorde pledges $204,000 to support Minnesota immigration rights organizations
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Lorde shared a story to her 11.3 million followers on Instagram on Tuesday afternoon that not only expresses the message “ICE OUT,” but also notes financial support for Minnesota organizations. The New Zealand-based pop star played two nights at the Armory in Minneapolis in October of 2025.
Lake Street Dive releases “LSD Loves Minneapolis” shirt to benefit Immigrant Defense Network
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Bob Mould: “Minnesota, you’re f**cking awesome. We are with you.”
Monday, February 2, 2026
Bob Mould took to his Instagram to voice his support for Minnesotans.
Billie Eilish’s Grammys speech: We need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Billie Eilish used her time onstage accepting Song of the Year at the Grammys to address ICE’s operations in the United States. She said, "As grateful as I feel, I honestly don't feel like I need to say anything, but that no one is illegal on stolen land. It's just really hard to know what to say and what to do right now. I feel really hopeful in this room, and I feel like we just need to keep fighting and speaking up and protesting. And our voices really do matter, and the people matter. And [EXPLETIVE] ICE, sorry. Thank you so much. I can't believe this." Eilish, brother Finneas O'Connell, and the Song of the Year presenter Carole King all wore “ICE OUT” pins.
View The Current’s post on Threads
Bad Bunny at the Grammys: “Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out.”
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Best Música Urbana Album winner Bad Bunny used his Grammys speech to discuss the current state of immigration enforcement in the United States. "Okay. Before I say thanks to God, I'm gonna say ICE out. We're not savage, we're not animals, we're not aliens. We are humans and we are Americans. Also, I want to say to the people I know it's tough to know not to hate these days. And I was thinking, sometimes we get contaminados. I don't know how to say that in English, contamination. The hate gets more powerful with more hate. The only thing that is more powerful than hate is love. So, please. We need to be different. If we fight, we have to do it with love. We don't hate them. We love our people, we love our family, and that's the way to do it with love. Don't forget that, please. Thank you. Thank you, God." He later won Album of the Year.
See The Current’s post on Threads here
Olivia Dean’s Grammys speech: Immigrants deserve to be celebrated
Sunday, February 1, 2026
Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards on Sunday evening. During her speech, Dean said: "I'm up here as a granddaughter of an immigrant. I'm a product of bravery, and I think those people deserve to be celebrated. We're nothing without each other."
See The Current’s post on Threads
Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon wears whistle at the Grammys to honor observers in Minneapolis
Sunday, February 1, 2026
During a red carpet interview at the Grammys, Justin Vernon gave a tribute to observers to alert their neighbors that ICE agents are nearby. “The danger is even more real than they say in the news,” he says.
Noah Kahan: “What’s happening in Minnesota is disgusting”
Friday, January 30, 2026
During an interview with The Today Show, Noah Kahan expressed his anger and frustration about ICE’s operations in Minnesota. “We need to start organizing on a bigger level,” he says.
Nathaniel Rateliff: “I am sending my love and strength to Minnesota”
Friday, January 30, 2026
Nathaniel Rateliff posted an Instagram message in solidarity with Minnesotans: “Today I am sending my love and strength to Minnesota and the Twin Cities for their fight against the injustices in their community and across our country. I stand in solidarity with them in observing the National Strike against ICE.”
Devotchka: We stand with our sisters and brothers of Minneapolis
Friday, January 30, 2026
Devotchka posted this message on their Instagram: “We stand with our sisters and brothers of Minneapolis 💔The streets are paved with Love and Music.”
Recap and photos: Tom Morello assembles A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance
By Luke Taylor, Reed Fischer, and Laura Buhman | Friday, January 30, 2026
Read a full recap of the show with photos of all of the acts here
Bruce Springsteen performs "Streets of Minneapolis" at First Avenue
By Reed Fischer | Friday, January 30, 2026
Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 30. He brought his new song “Streets of Minneapolis” to play for the audience assembled for A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota.
Watch his entire performance on The Current’s Instagram here
Interview: Nur-D visits the Current Morning Show
Friday, January 30, 2026
NUR-D visited with The Morning Show and gave a detailed update on his time detained by ICE before sharing some thoughts about his artistic journey: “Music is who I am. It's what I do. Because the experiences that I have fuse into me, they'll fuse into my music, they'll fuse into my art. I know that's the case for so many artists here. We're still writing about 2020, we're still writing about what that did to us, and this is going to just continue on that. There will be no escaping this.”
OK Go’s Damien Kulash: Support Minnesota Public Radio and public radio stations to spread the truth
Friday, January 30, 2026
Bon Iver releases benefit single, "Naeem (Can’t You Hear Crying)”
Friday, January 30, 2026
Bon Iver has put out a live version of “Naeem (Can’t You Hear Crying)“, now only on Bandcamp. 100% of proceeds will be donated to the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
Frontman Justin Vernon also gave an impassioned speech at NMPA & Billboard Songwriter Awards on Wednesday, saying, “I just wanna make a note that this also represents another kind of observer, one with hard hands. One that’s in the streets of Minneapolis and many, many cities in this country right now. An observer, with a capital O, with hard hands, is somebody that stands on the corner of their community and blows the whistle and makes a noise. That’s their purpose … and they are using their voice. So, I am incredibly humbled to be an Observer and to stand in the service of humanality.”
Interview with Tom Morello: Democracy's future may be decided on the streets of Minneapolis
Friday, January 30, 2026
Tom Morello is in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 30, to lead A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota. Announced earlier this week, the show is a benefit for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two Minnesotans killed by federal agents since ICE’s operations expanded in the Twin Cities.
Interview with Rise Against's Tim McIlrath: "Minneapolis is meeting the moment"
Friday, January 30, 2026
Chicago punk band Rise Against is in Minneapolis on Friday, Jan. 30, to take part in A Concert of Solidarity and Resistance to Defend Minnesota. Frontman Tim McIlrath tells The Current’s weekend host Gannon that he’d be here even if the band wasn’t playing. Their conversation also covers protest songs, and finding the positive elements within a crisis.
Tom Morello: “We are so inspired by the way that the people of Minneapolis have stood up to tyranny”
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Tom Morello’s full interview aired on Friday, Jan. 30, on The Current Morning Show.
Read the full conversation here
NUR-D recounts being attacked and detained by federal officers
Thursday, January 29, 2026
NUR-D’s full interview airs on Friday, Jan. 30, at 8:30 a.m. on The Current Morning Show.
Bruce Springsteen releases “Streets of Minneapolis” lyric video
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Bruce Springsteen has unveiled a new song dedicated to the current situation in Minnesota. Listen to The Current to hear it at various times.
His statement: “I wrote this song on Saturday, recorded it yesterday and released it to you today in response to the state terror being visited on the city of Minneapolis. It’s dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, our innocent immigrant neighbors and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Stay free, Bruce Springsteen.” Find the lyrics here and learn more from MPR News.
The Jayhawks post message of support for Minneapolis and Minnesota
Thursday, January 29, 2026
The Jayhawks’ Gary Louris, Marc Perlman, Karen, Grotberg, and Tim O’Reagan posted an Instagram message to Minnesota: “Thank you for standing up for what’s right.”
My Morning Jacket: “We stand with the people of Minnesota and everywhere else affected by the horrors of ICE brutality”
Thursday, January 29, 2026
My Morning Jacket have released a new compilation album of covers, Peacelands, with all proceeds going to “organizations working hard to help heal the horrors of war and terror around the globe.” Jim James released a statement with the record, available on Bandcamp, which says: “We stand with the people of Minnesota and everywhere else affected by the horrors of ICE brutality and lack of human decency or transparency from this administration. There is room for everyone to be safe and free and at home in this vast world and we need to find a new path together to safe and humane immigration policy and reform rooted in peace and love… safety and equality… and new systems of fairness, freedom, and transparent justice for all.”
Lady Gaga: “I’m thinking about Minnesota and everyone back at home who is living in so much fear”
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Lady Gaga paused during Thursday evening’s performance in Tokyo, Japan, to deliver words of support for people impacted by ICE’s operations in Minnesota, and throughout the United States. “I’m also thinking about Minnesota and everyone back at home who is living in so much fear and searching for answers on what we all should do. When entire communities lose their sense of safety and belonging, it breaks something in all of us. I hope that you’ll all stand with us tonight. I know we’re not in America right now, but we are with our community and we love you,” she said.
Janelle Monae: “Let’s lock in with the brave folks on the ground in Minnesota and let them know we are here and will support them”
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Janelle Monae has posted a list of resources on Instagram aimed at helping efforts to support Minnesotans impacted by ICE’s operations. She writes, “If you are a supporter of me and you care about what’s happening in Minnesota please help support families and individuals in need who have been deeply affected by the evil, vile, and f**ked up shit this administration and ICE are doing to OUR PEOPLE in Minnesota.”
Lizzo: “My heart goes out to Minneapolis”
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
“The injustice happens there, and the community rises up every single time,” Lizzo says in an Instagram video. The video also includes resources for people and businesses to support during this time.
Tom Morello announces “A Concert of Solidarity & Resistance to Defend Minnesota!”
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello has announced a special benefit concert “in support of families impacted by violence carried out by federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis.” A release says 100% of proceeds go to the families of I.C.E. victims Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
Also on the bill: Rise Against, Al Di Meola, Ike Reilly, and very special guests —hey, maybe a guy who just wrote a song about Minneapolis? The show is Friday, Jan. 30, at First Avenue.
MPR News: Laamar, Natalie Lovejoy, and jeremy messersmith respond to federal shootings
By Jacob Aloi | Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Joan Baez: “With your unending courage in the face of this violent occupation, you are an inspiration to the world”
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Joan Baez has released a video featuring some inspirational words for Minnesotans, and she sings an updated version of the spiritual “Wade in the Water.’
Ben Folds: “Minnesota is obviously under siege right now”
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Ben Folds took to Facebook for an extended post about the situation in Minnesota. He says, “To my Minnesota friends - people I’ve played for every year over the last three decades: a deep heartfelt thank you. Minnesota is obviously under siege right now and you Minnesotans are braving horrid weather and direct physical danger to exercise your first amendment rights, and you’re also doing this on the behalf of the rest of the country.” He goes on to address fellow citizens and elected officials to work together to take immediate steps for change.
Jenny Lewis: “I stand with the people of Minnesota and the communities currently being victimized by ICE’s brutality”
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Jenny Lewis posted an Instagram message with this statement: The violence, fear, and disregard for basic human rights being perpetuated by ICE is horrific and reprehensible. ICE is endangering our communities and must be stoppedbefore anyone else is hurt or killed. The Recent public murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as the many other lives lost in ICE custody, are acts of hatred. I stand with the people of Minnesota and the communities currently being victimized by ICE’s brutality.” She links to standwithminnesota.com.
Tramped by Turtles announce Turf Club performance to benefit Immigrant Rapid Response Fund
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Duluth’s Trampled By Turtles will perform an intimate afternoon set at Turf Club in St. Paul on Saturday, Jan. 31, with bathtub cig opening up. Proceeds will benefit the Immigrant Rapid Response Fund via the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. They are also accepting donations of diapers, baby wipes, and formula to be distributed to families in need.
Find tickets and more information here
Paul Metsa & Alan Sparhawk release “No Kings (No Crown” video
Monday, January 26, 2026
Minnesota musician Paul Metsa released Songs of Resistance and Resolve 1984-2025 in 2025. One of his friends from Duluth, Alan Sparhawk (Low), provides guest vocals on the politically charged “No Kings (No Crown),” which is now accompanied with a music video featuring scenes from ICE’s operation in Minnesota.
Jeff Tweedy and sons Spencer and Sam dedicate song to Minneapolis
Monday, January 26, 2026
On Monday evening, Jeff Tweedy’s wife Susan posted a video of Jeff, Spencer, and Sam performing a “song for healing.” She writes, “We send this to the people of Minneapolis. What’s happening there is so terrible and traumatic. Sending love and strength to everyone there including some dear friends, and to people struggling everywhere. This has to stop. We need to abolish and prosecute ICE.”
The song Sam and Spencer Tweedy are singing is “Mi Sheberach,” a Jewish prayer for healing, and there’s a local connection: This setting of “Mi Sheberach” was composed by songwriter Debbie Friedman. Born in Utica, New York, Friedman moved to Minnesota at age five and grew up in St. Paul, graduating from Highland Park High School in 1969. Friedman went on to become one of the leading composers of Jewish liturgical music. In 1999, she was inducted into Highland Park High School’s Hall of Fame. Friedman died in 2011 at age 59 after hospitalization for pneumonia.
YourClassical MPR’s Mindy Ratner contributed to this report.
Billy Bragg shares a new “song of resistance” called “City of Heroes”
Monday, January 26, 2026
English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg has released a new song on his Substack “as a tribute to the bravery of the people of Minneapolis.” Titled “City of Heroes,” it repeats the line “I just got in their face” as he identifies more and more of the injustices that have unfolded.
Dave Matthews Band: “We are horrified by the images coming out of Minneapolis”
Monday, January 26, 2026
Dave Matthews Band, who recently announced they will perform on June 23 at Mystic Lake Amphitheater in Shakopee, have shared their thoughts on ICE’s operation in Minnesota on Instagram.
Minnesota drummers play frigid gig on Minneapolis bridge to support mutual aid
By Reed Fischer | Monday, January 26, 2026
More than 30 drummers who play in Minnesota bands got together on Friday to raise awareness for COPAL, a local organization helping immigrant families. Performance organizer Noah Levy gathered them at the Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
First Avenue and other local music venues share “Music Industry Says Ice Out” message
Monday, January 26, 2026
A collective of local music venues and local industry players have joined together to send a message to the music industry at large. The Instagram post — signed by Dayna Frank of First Avenue, Lowell Pickett of Dakota, Chad Kampe of Flipphone Events, and the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance — includes ways for artists to make an impact at the Grammys, fundraising ideas, and other guidance for this present moment.
More at musicindustrysaysiceout.com
Icehouse shares update following weekend closure after Alex Pretti killing
Monday, January 26, 2026
South Minneapolis music venue Icehouse announced over the weekend that it was canceling all events after Alex Pretti was killed by ICE agents nearby. On Monday, Icehouse added a follow-up: “We are all suffering emotionally and financially from this. For now, please do all you can to support the immigrant-owned businesses around town and especially on Eat Street.” The post notes that event changes will be taken day by day for the foreseeable future.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis: “We stand strong in solidarity with our Minneapolis community.”
Monday, January 26, 2026
Producer team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis released a statement via Instagram in solidarity with their community in Minnesota. In part of the statement, they say: “We are deeply saddened by the events that have led to the tragic loss of life brought on by the invasion of ICE in our hometown. We stand strong in solidarity with our Minneapolis community. Our prayers are lifted for justice, peace, and the protection of every life. We are angered by the lack of respect and the disregard for humanity being shown as ICE continues to invade our community. When any individual, agency, or government operates without accountability, the only outcome is chaos. Respect respects respect. If you want it, you must give it.” Another Minneapolis Sound architect Andre Cymone has also raised his voice on Instagram.
Billie Eilish: “Hey my fellow celebrities. U gonna speak up? Or.”
Monday, January 26, 2026
Billie Eilish has called for celebrities to speak up about the shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Eilish shared a photo of herself looking at the camera on her Instagarm story with the caption, “hey my fellow celebrities u gonna speak up?” Eilish had also reshared a couple of posts about the death of Alex Pretti, who was shot by federal agents last Saturday. Eilish’s brother Finneas also spoke out about the situation in an Instagram video regarding the Second Amendment.
shame: Our hearts are with you and your community
Monday, January 26, 2026
British post-punk band shame posted a message on Instagram ahead of their performance Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Turf Club in St. Paul. They say: “We can do nothing but offer our highest respect and admiration for those who continue to rally against ICE, who speak up against, what is wrong, and who refuse to accep the abhorrent crimes that they are committing. It would be wrong for us to not share our disgust for this gang of thugs and murderers as well.” They noted that they will donate their entire fee for their performance at Turf to Unidos MN.
Nur-D releases statement, "I am currently safe," after being detained by ICE
By Reed Fischer | Monday, January 26, 2026
Twin Cities musician Nur-D was detained by federal agents in south Minneapolis on Saturday. The beloved rapper, whose real name is Matt Allen, was standing with other observers at the location where 37-year-old ICU nurse Alex Pretti was killed near Nicollet Avenue South and East 26th Street.
Craig Finn: “My heart is with all the incredible and inspiring people of the Twin Cities”
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Craig Finn has shared a message of support on Instagram. He writes: “I grieve for Renee and Alex and their families and anyone else who has had their lives upended by this. I pray for everyone’s safety in the days to come. I love you MSP, and I believe light will prevail. Stay Positive.”
Brandi Carlile: “I am so heartbroken and angry for Minnesota”
Sunday, January 25, 2026
Brandi Carlile has shared a message of support on Instagram for Minnesota in this tumultuous time. In the message, she says: “Last week, in Mexico, members of the Minnesota Bramily organized a vigil for Renée Good and the 32 people who have died in ICE custody since the beginning of 2025. Now, more than ever, it is vital that we continue to hold each other and take action to stop the hate that is spreading through our country. Today, @lookingoutfoundation will be granting $25,000 to @theadvocatesforhumanrights organization in Minnesota to help them provide free legal assistance to those in detention.”
Your Smith: “ICE has been doing sweeps of Stillwater restaurants”
Sunday, January 25, 2026
In addition to having a successful career as a musician, Caroline (Smith) To also runs a restaurant in Stillwater called Howard’s Bar with husband/chef Adam To. In a letter to Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar posted on Instagram, she details the challenges that have come to her business and others in Stillwater during this time. “[My husband] should be able to protect his staff without fearing for the fate of his business and, even worse, his own life as a young father with brown skin and an immigrant father,” she writes.
Olivia Rodrigo: “ICEs actions are unconscionable but we are not powerless. our actions matter. I stand with Minnesota.”
Saturday, January 24, 2026
Olivia Rodrigo has shared several Instagram Stories decrying the actions of ICE in Minnesota.
Dessa shares perspective from Minneapolis protest
Friday, January 23, 2026
Dessa has been extremely vocal on her Instagram page regarding ICE’s operation in Minnesota. She took part in Friday’s outdoor march with thousands of peaceful protesters in downtown Minneapolis, and shared details from the experience. She writes, “While it’s not a skill you hope a community has to develop…we’re f**king *good* at this stuff. After George Floyd’s murder, people learned how to organize pop-up food pantries; how to set up a Signal chat for the block; how to find out who needs what and who might provide it.”
The Current cancels 21st anniversary show, dedicates day to music for the moment
Friday, January 23, 2026
Check out the full playlist from Friday, Jan. 23 here
Racket: How Can Artists Show up for Minneapolis?
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Twin Cities poet, rapper, and activist Kyle Tran Myhre (AKA Guante) has published a piece at Racket with resources for local artists to get involved in activities supporting work to end ICE’s local operations. Even more resources are available at guante.info.
Hippo Campus announces I.C.E. OUT! benefit concert
Monday, January 19, 2026
A group of Twin Cities artists including Hippo Campus, papa mbye, 26 BATS!, and a surprise guest will perform a mutual aid benefit concert on Sunday, Feb. 15, at First Avenue in Minneapolis. The show is hosted by Twin Cities United Performers.
Get tickets and find more information here
Bruce Springsteen: “ICE should get the **** out of Minneapolis”
Saturday, January 17, 2026
During a surprise appearance at a music festival in New Jersey, Bruce Springsteen voiced his support for efforts to end ICE operations in Minnesota. He then dedicated a performance of The Promised Land” to the memory of Renee Good.
jeremy messersmith and other local musicians tackle Minnesota ICE operation in songs
By Reed Fischer | Friday, January 16, 2026
A number of Twin Cities musicians are using their platforms to speak out about an expanding presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Among them: jeremy messersmith, Cloud Cult, Laamar, bathtub cig, and Durry.
