Radiohead Demands ICE Remove Song From Video, Joins Growing List of Artists Protesting Trump Administration’s Use of Music

Radiohead has publicly demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) remove their song “Let Down” from a promotional video, adding to a growing chorus of artists objecting to the Trump administration’s unauthorized use of their music. The band issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, February 27, 2026, condemning the appropriation of their work.

ICE Video and Campaign Context

The ICE video, posted on social media last week, features “Let Down” from Radiohead’s 1997 album OK Computer. It accompanies images of individuals the administration describes as victims of “criminal illegal alien violence.” The video is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and ICE’s “This is our why” campaign, intended to defend President Donald Trump’s immigration policies amid public criticism NBC News.

The video was also shared on the social media accounts of Trump, the White House and DHS, amplifying its reach across various platforms NBC News.

Radiohead’s Response

Radiohead’s statement, sent to NBC News, expressed strong disapproval: “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.” NBC News.

The band’s PR agency clarified that the song was used in an ICE “propaganda” video without their permission NBC News.

DHS Response

When reached for comment, a DHS spokesperson did not directly address whether the administration would remove the video. Lauren Bis, DHS deputy assistant secretary, stated, “We fight for the Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, Katie Abraham and countless other American victims of illegal alien crime” NBC News.

A Growing Trend of Artist Opposition

Radiohead is the latest in a long line of musicians who have protested the Trump administration’s use of their music without authorization. Deadline reports that Aerosmith, Queen, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, R.E.M, Adele, Rihanna, Neil Young, Foo Fighters, and The White Stripes, among others, have previously objected to their songs being used in connection with MAGA messaging.

Other recent examples include Billie Eilish’s political statement at the Grammy Awards, where she spoke out against the Trump administration’s immigration policies, and statements from artists like Bad Bunny and Jason Isbell Deadline.