Radiohead Condemns ICE for Misuse of Their Music

Radiohead has publicly condemned the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for using their song “Let Down” in a pro-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) video. The video features a choral version of the song and depicts a montage of violence attributed to “illegal aliens,” accompanied by a narrative that emphasizes the agency's stance against undocumented immigrants.

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In a joint statement, Radiohead expressed their outrage, 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 clarified that the use of their music was unauthorized and emphasized the emotional significance of the song to them and their fans.

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The ICE video, which was posted on February 18, 2026, claims that “thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence,” framing the agency's actions as a protective measure for U.S. citizens. This narrative aligns with previous criticisms from other artists, such as Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter, who have also denounced the use of their music in ICE's messaging. Rodrigo specifically stated, “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda,” while Carpenter described the agency's actions as “evil and disgusting.”

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The backlash against ICE's use of music from popular artists highlights a growing concern among musicians regarding the appropriation of their work for political agendas. Critics argue that such uses distort the original intent of the songs and exploit the artists' reputations to promote controversial policies. This incident is part of a broader trend where artists are increasingly vocal about their opposition to the government's portrayal of immigration issues.

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Radiohead's statement reflects a strong stance against the misappropriation of their art. The band's spokesperson reiterated that the use of “Let Down” was without permission and called for its removal from the ICE video. The agency's framing of the narrative has drawn ire from various artists, indicating a collective pushback against the use of music in politically charged contexts.

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As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how ICE will respond to Radiohead's demands and whether other artists will continue to speak out against similar appropriations. The ongoing dialogue about the intersection of art and politics may lead to further scrutiny of how governmental agencies utilize cultural products in their messaging.

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• “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, Band Statement

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

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• “This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda,” — Sabrina Carpenter, Artist

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