Radiohead Demands ICE Remove Song From Video, Issues Scathing Statement

British rock band Radiohead has publicly demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remove their song “Let Down” from a recent promotional video, calling the agency’s use of the track “not funny” and issuing a strongly worded rebuke.

The Controversy

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), of which ICE is a part, used a choral rendition of “Let Down” in an Instagram Reel as part of its “This is our why” campaign. The video features images of individuals the administration describes as victims of “criminal illegal alien violence” and aims to defend President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The video was also cross-promoted by President Trump and the Department of Homeland Security.

Radiohead’s Response

Radiohead responded with a statement released on February 27, 2026, expressing their outrage at the unauthorized use of their music. The band stated, “We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down. It ain’t funny, this song means a lot to us and other people and you don’t get to appropriate it without a fight. Also, go f— yourselves… Radiohead.”

The band’s PR agency clarified that the song was used in the ICE video without their permission.

Broader Context of Artist Activism

Radiohead’s protest follows a recent trend of artists objecting to the use of their work in political contexts. In October 2025, Thom Yorke stated the band would not perform in Israel again while Benjamin Netanyahu remained prime minister. Bruce Springsteen recently shared the protest anthem “Streets of Minneapolis” following the deaths of Alex Pretti and Renée Good by ICE agents in January. Zach Bryan also released a song with anti-ICE lyrics last fall, though he later tempered his criticism. Jonny Greenwood and Paul Thomas Anderson demanded their music be removed from a documentary about Melania Trump.

DHS Response

A DHS spokesperson did not directly address whether the administration would remove the video, but stated, “We fight for the Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, Katie Abraham and countless other American victims of illegal alien crime.”

As of February 28, 2026, representatives for ICE and DHS have not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding Radiohead’s demand.