NEW YORK — Tom Morello brought music, protest and star power to 26 Federal Plaza on Tuesday, joining Hands Off NYC and immigrant justice advocates at an End ICE Abuse rally outside the federal building in Lower Manhattan.
The Rage Against the Machine guitarist and longtime activist, in New York while performing with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, stood with organizers, clergy, community members and impacted families calling attention to immigration enforcement and the treatment of immigrants in New York.
Surrounded by signs reading “Hands Off NYC,” Morello addressed the crowd before performing “This Land Is Your Land,” turning the rally into a charged street-level moment of music and solidarity. The song carried through the crowd as supporters raised fists, held signs and gathered around microphones and megaphones outside the building.
The action took place in front of 26 Federal Plaza, a location that has become a frequent gathering point for immigrant rights demonstrations because of its connection to federal immigration proceedings. Speakers called for an end to ICE abuses and urged New Yorkers to stand with immigrant communities facing detention, deportation and family separation.
For Morello, the appearance connected his long history of political music with the immediacy of New York street protest. For the crowd, it was a moment where a national voice stood beside local organizers and families demanding protection, dignity and justice.
Photo Gallery
Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine raises his fist during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. The musician and activist stood among supporters at the Hands Off NYC rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine speaks into a handheld microphone during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. Surrounded by supporters, organizers and press, Morello addressed the Hands Off NYC rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.Brad Lander raises his fist while holding a “HANDS OFF NYC” sign during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. The rally brought supporters together in Lower Manhattan to call for an end to ICE abuses.A speaker wearing a CUFFH name badge addresses an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026, as Tom Morello stands nearby. The Hands Off NYC rally brought organizers and supporters together to call for an end to ICE abuses.Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine raises his fist while standing at a microphone during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. Supporters around him clap, film and raise their fists during the Hands Off NYC rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.A speaker addresses the crowd during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. A Kairos Center supporter wearing a “WE CRY JUSTICE” shirt stands behind him as the End ICE Abuse rally continues near the federal immigration court.A speaker addresses the crowd during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026, while Tom Morello stands nearby. A “HANDS OFF NYC” sign and megaphone frame the speakers during the rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine speaks into a handheld microphone during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. The musician and activist addressed supporters during the Hands Off NYC rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine speaks into a handheld microphone during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. Surrounded by organizers, supporters and press, Morello addressed the crowd during the Hands Off NYC rally calling for an end to ICE abuses.Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine speaks during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. Rallygoers, photographers and organizers filled the sidewalk as signs reading “Hands Off NYC” framed the End ICE Abuse demonstration.A speaker addresses the crowd during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. A “HANDS OFF NYC” sign rises above the crowd as supporters, organizers and press gather for the End ICE Abuse rally.A speaker reads from printed remarks during an immigrant justice rally outside 26 Federal Plaza in New York on May 12, 2026. Press microphones and a large yellow protest banner framed the End ICE Abuse rally as supporters gathered in Lower Manhattan.
