ICE agents 'indiscriminately, violently terrorising our streets' says US Pastor

American singer Bruce Springsteen has released a new protest song in response to the growing unrest in Minneapolis, United States (US).

The rock legend has penned the track in the wake of two fatal shootings linked to federal immigration agents.

The song titled 'Streets of Minneapolis' honours Alex Pretti and Renee Good and criticises what Springsteen says is a campaign of 'state terror'.

ICE officers have faced intense public backlash in the US after the shootings in the state of Minnesota this month.

ICE stands for 'Immigration and Customs Enforcement', and according to the US Department of Homeland Security, ICE agents are tasked with immigration enforcement, detention, preventing terrorism, and combating the illegal movement of people and goods.

The midwestern state remains a focal point of protests against the unit.

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Deacon Stephanie Anderson from the Augustana Lutheran Church in West St Paul, which neighbours Minneapolis, says they are a city under siege.

"We are currently experiencing an occupation on the part of the ICE agents."

She describes the unit as an armed, 'fairly untrained militia', deployed by the Trump administration.

"They have said that their job is to crack down on immigration violations, so people who are undocumented or have overstayed their visas."

The reality is very different, says Anderson.

"They are indiscriminately and violently terrorising our streets, especially people of colour."

Anderson tells CapeTalk that ICE agents are going door-to-door demanding to see residents' papers and documentation.

"They are harassing and detaining all immigrants, even those with lawful status in the US and doing this to US citizens," she says.

The knock-on effect is devastating, says Anderson, adding that many people are too afraid to leave their homes.

As such, she predicts a wave of evictions in the future, as people are unable to go to work and pay their rent.

"Our children are afraid to go to school, they're afraid they will get home from school, and their parents will be gone."

Meanwhile, a second 'National Day of Action' protesting ongoing ICE operations is planned in the Twin Cities of St Paul and Minneapolis on Friday, with protesters being encouraged to miss school and work.

To listen to Anderson in conversation with CapeTalk’s Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: