Bruce Springsteen unloaded on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from a New Jersey stage and telling the agency to “get the f— out” of Minneapolis.
The outburst came during a weekend performance at the Light of Day festival, where the rock legend turned a concert moment into a blistering attack on federal immigration enforcement and President Donald Trump.
Springsteen framed his remarks as a moral stand, urging the crowd to confront the administration and federal officers operating in American cities.
“If you believe in democracy, in liberty, if you believe that truth still matters, that it’s worth speaking out, that it is worth fighting for, if you believe in the power of the law and no one stands above it,” Springsteen told the audience.
“If you stand against heavily armed masked federal troops invading American cities and using Gestapo tactics against our fellow citizens, if you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president.”
He then escalated the moment by quoting Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, leaning into the profanity that drew gasps and cheers alike.
“And as the mayor of that city has said, ‘ICE should get the f— out of Minneapolis,'” Springsteen added.
The singer went further by dedicating his song “The Promised Land” to Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.
“So this one is for you, and the memory of the mother of three and American citizen Renee Good,” Springsteen told the crowd before launching into the performance.
His remarks reverberated beyond the concert venue, fueling a broader wave of celebrity criticism aimed at ICE and the Trump administration.
Pop star Billie Eilish joined the chorus the following day while accepting the Environmental Justice award at the 2026 MLK Jr. Beloved Community Award ceremony.
Eilish accused the administration of widespread abuses while delivering a sweeping condemnation of immigration enforcement.
Billie's full acceptance speech for being honored with the 'Environmental Justice Award' at the MLK, Jr. Beloved Community Awards last night in Atlanta, Georgia! 🌍
📸: 21liliaa via TikTok pic.twitter.com/MhthIrMr19
— Billie Eilish Tours (@billieeilishtrs) January 18, 2026
“We’re seeing our neighbors being kidnapped, peaceful protesters being assaulted and murdered, our civil rights being stripped,” she commented.
She broadened the critique to highlight other liberal issues, tying immigration enforcement to what she described as systemic failures.
“Resources to fight the climate crisis being cut, fossil fuels and animal agriculture destroying our planet and people’s health, access to food and health care becoming a privilege for the wealthy, instead of a basic human right for all Americans,” Eilish continued.
The singer closed by questioning the administration’s priorities and warning that Americans no longer feel safe.
“It is very clear that protecting our planet and our communities are not a priority for this administration,” Eilish added.
“And it’s really hard to celebrate that when we no longer feel safe in our own homes or in our streets.”
Former U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe also took aim at ICE and the White House, reacting to Good’s death during the latest episode of her podcast “A Touch More.”
Rapinoe described immigration enforcement tactics as extreme and alarming, accusing federal officials of intimidation.
“I think this has been abnormal for the entire time the Trump administration has been conducting these raids and disappearing people and, you know, they’re knocking people’s phones out of their hands. It’s lawful to do that,” Rapinoe said.
She claimed community members in Minneapolis were attempting to monitor ICE activity and were met with hostility.
“They’re basically intimidating and threatening people not to protest and not to track what they’re doing, and that’s a lot of what was happening in Minneapolis,” she continued.
Rapinoe argued that enforcement efforts felt unlawful and targeted.
“The community coming out, keeping their eyes on ICE, where are they, trying to stamp their people, impeding them in what feels (like) a very unlawful way of doing these immigration raids,” she said.
She then turned to the victim, offering sympathy to Good’s family.
“It’s just really sad. Obviously, our heart goes out to Renee Good’s family and her community and all the people that love her and support her,” Rapinoe added.
Rapinoe and Sue Bird also praised NBA coaches Steve Kerr and Doc Rivers for speaking out against ICE actions in Minneapolis.
Bird accused the administration of misleading the public, while Rapinoe compared the federal response to dystopian fiction.
“I mean they came out and immediately had a verdict on what happened without any investigation, without anything happening,” Rapinoe remarked.
She described the messaging as manipulative. “Yeah, I mean, it’s the classic Orwell — the last command they told you was not to believe what your eyes are seeing or something to that effect,” she added.
Rapinoe urged public resistance, whether through elections or protests.
“This is so outside the norm and outside of what’s OK, and I think everybody’s seen that, and I hope that the proverbial people will stand up whenever that is and whatever way that is,” she concluded.
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres also weighed in, posting a video expressing sorrow over unrest in Minneapolis.
“I just wanted to say I am so sorry for what is happening in Minneapolis and our country, really, but specifically Minneapolis right now,” DeGeneres said.
She reflected on her connection to the city, where she filmed her final stand-up special.
Ellen Degeneres is sad for the people of Minneapolis & ICE’s presence.
But also, In 2021, Ellen ended The Ellen DeGeneres Show, due to multiple accusations of workplace bullying including racial intimidation. pic.twitter.com/4HgXHA68TX— The Honey Badger (@Nance726) January 19, 2026
“I shot it there because they say it’s the happiest city in America. And I found that to be true,” she added.
DeGeneres praised peaceful protesters and lamented injuries.
“So my thoughts and my prayers are going out to everyone. And I’m proud of everyone who’s protesting peacefully, and I am sorry for anyone who has been hurt just for protesting, for doing what you should be doing,” she said.
Her comments drew immediate backlash from Megyn Kelly, who blasted DeGeneres during an on-air monologue.
“Ellen DeGeneres felt the need to weigh in,” Kelly said, mocking the comedian’s reentry into American political debate.
Kelly ridiculed DeGeneres’ move overseas and questioned her credibility.
“She’s abandoned the United States to go live in the UK, but it’s still really important to all of us what she thinks,” Kelly remarked.
The former Fox News host then turned to DeGeneres’ past workplace controversies.
“Let’s not forget why Ellen lost her daytime show,” Kelly continued. “It’s because she was a bully.”
She alleged DeGeneres had strict and demeaning rules behind the scenes.
“She had a rule – I’m very reliably informed – you were not allowed to look her in the eye as one of her producers when you walked past her in the hallway,” Kelly claimed.
The conservative commentator accused DeGeneres of sympathizing with unrest in Minneapolis.
“It’s no surprise that Ellen DeGeneres is totally fine with what these so-called protesters, terrorists are doing in the streets of Minneapolis,” she continued.
Kelly closed with a scathing personal jab. “Shame on her. Enjoy England,” Kelly said, adding that the United Kingdom deserved DeGeneres after sending “Harry and Meghan” to the United States.