Story perspectives

Radiohead Demands Removal of ICE's Unauthorized Song Use

2/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Radiohead condemned the unauthorized use of their song "Let Down" in a video by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
They demanded the video be removed.
The band said the song means a lot to them and to fans.
The incident followed criticism from artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter over ICE using their music in propaganda.

History

Historical Context

Radiohead's "Let Down," released in 1997, captures themes of alienation and societal disconnection, reflecting the band's evolution since their 1993 debut, "Pablo Honey." Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement faced backlash for using the song in a propaganda video, echoing broader artistic resistance against government appropriation of music, as seen with contemporary artists like Olivia Rodrigo, highlighting ongoing tensions between artistic expression and political narratives.

1 of 2

Story summary

Radiohead condemned the unauthorized use of their song "Let Down" in a video by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
They demanded the video be removed.
The band said the song means a lot to them and to fans.
The incident followed criticism from artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter over ICE using their music in propaganda.

1 / 2