Radiohead and ICE: A Clash Over Song Usage and Political Messaging

Radiohead has publicly condemned the use of their song “Let Down” in a promotional video released by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), joining a growing number of artists protesting the appropriation of their work for political purposes. The incident highlights a recurring tension between artistic expression and government messaging, particularly under the Trump administration.

The ICE Video and Radiohead’s Response

The ICE video, posted on February 18, 2026, and pinned to the top of its X (formerly Twitter) feed, aimed to depict the agency’s efforts to combat “criminal illegal alien violence.” It featured images described as victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants, set to a choral version of Radiohead’s 1997 hit, “Let Down,” from the album OK Computer. The video included the message, “This is who we fight for. This is our why.”

Radiohead swiftly responded with a strongly worded statement, demanding that ICE remove the video. “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 obtain to appropriate it without a fight,” the band stated. They concluded with a direct rebuke: “Also, go f— yourselves.”

A Pattern of Political Appropriation

This is not an isolated incident. Numerous artists have voiced their opposition to the Trump administration’s use of their music without permission. Artists including Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Jack White, Olivia Rodrigo, Neil Young, Aerosmith, Queen, Elton John, and The Rolling Stones have all taken similar stances. The use of copyrighted music in political campaigns and government messaging often raises legal and ethical questions about fair use and artistic control.

Concerns About ICE Practices

The controversy surrounding the ICE video also brought renewed attention to concerns about the agency’s practices. Reports from CBS News indicated that, during Trump’s first year in office, 40% of those arrested by ICE had no criminal record, while 14% faced accusations or convictions for violent offenses. Further, Reuters reported at least 30 deaths in ICE custody in the past year, the highest number in decades. ProPublica has documented cases of U.S. Citizens being detained by ICE, and at least two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were fatally shot by federal immigration agents earlier in the year.

The Broader Implications

Radiohead’s protest underscores the increasing willingness of artists to publicly challenge political agendas they disagree with. The band’s strong statement reflects a broader sentiment within the music industry regarding the unauthorized use of creative work for political gain. This situation raises important questions about the responsibility of government agencies to respect artists’ rights and the potential for music to be used – and misused – as a tool for political messaging.