Twin Cities Musicians Protest with New Song, Raising Funds for ACLU Minnesota

Musicians across the Twin Cities Metro area have released a protest song, “They Lie,” to raise money for the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota (ACLU-MN). The song is a direct response to the shooting death of Alex Pretti by a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Minneapolis on January 25, 2026, and the subsequent response from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials.

The Genesis of “They Lie”

Katy Vernon, the British immigrant musician and songwriter behind “They Lie,” stated she wrote the song on the day of Alex Pretti’s death. “It all came out in a stream of emotion,” Vernon said. She and others felt the city was under attack following the deaths of Pretti and Renee Good. Vernon was particularly critical of the initial statements made by DHS officials regarding Pretti’s death, describing them as “obvious lies.”

Collaboration and Production

The song was a collaborative effort. Kevin Bowe produced the track, contributing guitar, bass, and keyboard. Paul Odegaard added trumpet, and Peter Anderson played the drums. Bowe described the song’s sound as a blend of “dreamy feeling” and “aggression,” reflecting the emotional state of Minneapolis at the time. “That’s what brought the track together,” he said.

Music Video and Documentation

Jason Chaffee created a music video for “They Lie,” featuring footage he captured while documenting protests, memorials, and ICE activity in the city. Vernon emphasized Chaffee’s dedication, noting he was “out on the streets, in his own neighborhood…daily.” The video, released on January 20th, visually complements the song’s message.

Operation Metro Surge and Community Impact

The release of “They Lie” comes amid ongoing debate surrounding Operation Metro Surge, a Minnesota initiative focused on immigration enforcement. The song and accompanying video aim to highlight the impact of these tactics on local communities.

Supporting the ACLU Minnesota

All proceeds from sales of the single “They Lie” will be donated to the ACLU-MN. Vernon explained her decision to support the organization, stating, “The ACLU is one part of who is going to hold people accountable for this.”

The Role of Art in Times of Tragedy

Bowe underscored the importance of art as a response to tragedy, stating, “That’s what artists do. Farmers grow crops, artists write songs. This is what’s happening right now, and what’s motivating us.”