BY MIRABLE ODETA
British rock band Radiohead has publicly demanded that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency take down a promotional video that uses a version of their song “Let Down,” saying the music was used without the band’s permission and that they strongly oppose its association with the agency’s messaging.
Radiohead issued a pointed statement on Friday criticizing the use of the track, which originally appeared on their acclaimed 1997 album *OK Computer*. The band said they were angered to discover that a choral rendition of “Let Down” had been used as the soundtrack to a video shared on ICE’s social media accounts. In their statement, they accused those running the account of acting irresponsibly and demanded the video be removed immediately. “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,” the band said, making clear that they did not authorize its use.
The video in question reportedly featured a montage of individuals described by the agency as victims of crimes attributed to immigrants living in the United States without legal status. The imagery was presented alongside the emotionally charged tone of the song, creating a dramatic backdrop for the agency’s message. Radiohead objected not only to the lack of permission but also to the broader context in which the song was used, suggesting that its meaning was being reshaped to fit a political narrative.
The band emphasized that “Let Down” holds deep emotional significance for them and for many fans who have connected with the song over the years. By pairing it with a government enforcement message, they argued, the agency was misappropriating its artistic intent. Radiohead’s response reflects a broader trend in which musicians and other artists have pushed back against political groups or government bodies that use their work without consent, especially when the association conflicts with their personal or artistic values.
The controversy comes amid ongoing debate over U.S. immigration policy and enforcement practices. The current administration has defended its use of immigration enforcement agencies as necessary to curb unlawful immigration and strengthen domestic security. However, human rights advocates and civil liberties organizations have criticized aspects of the crackdown, arguing that it has fostered fear within immigrant communities and raised concerns about due process and detention conditions.
In recent months, advocacy groups have pointed to deaths in detention facilities and disputed enforcement actions as evidence of systemic problems within the agency. They argue that aggressive enforcement measures disproportionately affect minority communities and create an atmosphere of uncertainty for both citizens and non-citizens. The administration, meanwhile, maintains that its policies are aimed at protecting public safety and upholding immigration law.
As of now, the agency has not publicly responded to Radiohead’s demand or clarified whether the video will be removed. The dispute underscores the tension that can arise when art intersects with politics, particularly when artists feel their work has been used in ways they neither approved nor support.
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