Radiohead Condemns ICE for Unauthorized Use of "Let Down"

Radiohead has publicly condemned the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using a choral cover of their song "Let Down" in a social media video. The band issued a statement demanding the removal of the video, which they described as an inappropriate appropriation of their music. The video, shared on ICE's social media accounts, features images of individuals the agency claims have been victims of violence attributed to "criminal illegal alien violence," accompanied by the song's lyrics.

Variety Magazine

In their statement, Radiohead expressed their discontent, stating, “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 fuck yourselves… Radiohead.” The band emphasized that the use of their music was unauthorized, highlighting the emotional significance of the song to both the band and their fans.

Radiohead Tell ICE to "Go F*ck Yourselves" for Using "Let Down" in Social Media Video

The controversy surrounding ICE's use of music is not isolated. Other artists, including Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter, have previously criticized the agency for using their songs in videos that promote anti-immigrant sentiments. Rodrigo specifically condemned the use of her song "All-American Bitch" in a video depicting ICE officers detaining individuals, stating, “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” This pattern of using popular music in government propaganda has drawn widespread criticism from the music community.

Variety Magazine

Radiohead's objection aligns with a growing movement among artists who oppose the use of their music in government propaganda. Critics argue that such appropriations misrepresent the artists' messages and values. Bruce Springsteen, for instance, has vocally opposed ICE, calling for the agency to cease its operations in certain areas and has even created protest songs against their actions. The backlash against ICE's practices has prompted a broader conversation about the ethical implications of using music in this context.

NME | New Musical Express

While Radiohead's statement is clear in its condemnation, there has been no immediate response from ICE or the Department of Homeland Security regarding the band's demands. This lack of communication raises questions about the agency's stance on the matter and whether they will comply with the request to remove the video.

Variety Magazine

• “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 fuck yourselves… Radiohead.” — Radiohead

Radiohead Tell ICE to "Go F*ck Yourselves" for Using "Let Down" in Social Media Video

• “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda,” — Olivia Rodrigo

Variety Magazine

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether ICE will respond to Radiohead's demands. The band has also been active in addressing other unauthorized uses of their music, as evidenced by guitarist Jonny Greenwood's recent request for the removal of his score from the documentary "Melania." This ongoing engagement suggests that Radiohead may continue to advocate for their rights and the integrity of their music in the face of unauthorized use.

Radiohead responds to ICE using ‘Let Down’ in social media post: ‘Go f*** yourselves’ – 105.7 The Point