San Diego music video calls for end to ICE raids

Singer-songwriter Dan Gindling uses his music as a source of art and activism – and never more than now.

“I felt compelled to use my music to make a tangible difference in what’s happening in this country,” Gindling said. 

Following the live recording of his song “We Are A Nation of Immigrants” at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach last month, Gindling will debut the completed music video on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Queen Bee’s in North Park.

The music video debut will feature an evening of live protest music from San Diego artists, including Jeff Berkley, Cathryn Beeks, and Julia Sage, leading up to the premiere.

“I don’t think of this song as a protest song, it’s not an angry song. It’s more kind of a history lesson, saying that we all came over here for the same thing. We came over here for freedom,” Gindling said. 

The inspiration for Gindling’s song dates back to 2015, when he kept witnessing divisive remarks made about Latino people during Donald Trump’s first presidential campaign announcement. 

Singer-songwriter Dan Gindling says he believes the United States is strengthened by different perspectives and points of view. This belief was the core of his decision to film a live video for the song, which features musicians including Jeff Berkley, Josh Taylor, Josh Weinstein, Josh Hermsmeier, Julia Sage, Kiri Gillis, Monette Marino and Rick Nash.

The video release show at Queen Bee’s is open to the public (21+). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with live music starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 day-of-show and are available through Eventbrite.

All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties.

Gindling said that he hopes his song and video function as a powerful statement and call to action against pervasive ICE raids that are affecting immigrant communities across the country. 

“We’re all in this together,” he said. “You can get a lot more things done when everyone’s working for the same goal than if everyone’s working separately.”