Dropkick Murphys perform at Minneapolis benefit for families affected by ICE
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Hundreds gathered in Minneapolis Friday afternoon for a free benefit concert near the site where federal agents shot and killed Alex Pretti in January.
The event honors both Pretti and Renee Macklin Good, who was also killed by federal agents in Minneapolis that same month. Organizers say the concert is meant to remember the two lives lost and raise money for organizations supporting people affected by the federal surge in Minnesota.
Dropkick Murphys, the Irish-American punk band from Massachusetts, headlined the event. The group performed an acoustic set ahead of a sold-out show later Friday night at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul.
Lead singer Ken Casey told MPR News the band wanted to perform for the Pretti and Good families and show solidarity with Minnesotans.
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“The people of Minnesota have made the rest of the country so proud,” Casey said. He also added that anyone who believes what happened to Pretti, Good and others affected by U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement is acceptable “is not welcome at our show.”
Several local artists are also part of the lineup, including Brass Solidarity, Laamar, Kiss the Tiger, the Shackletons, Wild Colonial Bhoys, Sophie Hiroko and Chutes. Brass Solidarity, which has played at other anti-ICE protests and events, has updated its lyrics to include anti-ICE messaging.
Jodi Irwin of south Minneapolis was among the attendees. She said even though she has a serious form of cancer and is living on a fixed income, she was eager to do something to help her neighbors who have been impacted by ICE.
“I don't really have the money to donate,” said Irwin. “I'm constantly wondering what I can do to be present for my community and to help.”
She said when she heard about the show on social media, she felt excited to come to the event.
“The concert was like something I could do,” said Irwin. “I could take my wheelchair here and give some money to the businesses that are suffering, and that are helping with the cause to abolish ICE."
While the concert is free to attend, organizers are raising money for several groups helping immigrants and families affected by recent enforcement actions.
The Immigrant Law Center is among the beneficiaries, providing legal services and advocacy for immigrants and their families. Some funds will go directly to families in south Minneapolis, as well as businesses along Eat Street that organizers say were hurt by the immigration enforcement surge.
A portion of the money will also support a rent assistance fund for people who have struggled to work during the surge, including families whose primary breadwinner was detained by immigration authorities.
The funds are being collected and distributed by Veterans Fighting Fascism to four organizations working with affected communities.
