Radiohead demands ICE remove video using their song "Let Down".
ICE used the song in a video showing a montage of individuals they attributed violence to as being in the U.S. illegally.
Radiohead did not authorize the use of the song.
The incident is part of ongoing criticism of ICE's immigration enforcement, particularly under President Trump.
Human rights advocates have condemned ICE's tactics, citing concerns about due process and the creation of a fearful environment.
📖 Full Retelling
British rock band Radiohead has formally requested the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to remove a promotional video that uses their song "Let Down." ICE posted the video last week featuring a version of the song as a soundtrack to a montage of individuals ICE attributed violence to, claiming they were in the U.S. illegally. Radiohead stated they did not grant permission for the song's use and demanded the video's removal, emphasizing the song's significance to them and others. This incident occurs amidst ongoing criticism of ICE's immigration enforcement tactics, particularly under the Trump administration, and amid concerns from human rights advocates regarding the agency's practices.
🏷️ Themes
Music rights and copyright, Immigration enforcement, Human rights, Political activism, Free speech, Government agency accountability
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
The use of copyrighted music without permission is a violation of intellectual property rights. This incident highlights the potential for government agencies to misuse creative works and the importance of artists protecting their work. It also reflects broader concerns about ICE's practices.
Context & Background
ICE immigration enforcement tactics have faced criticism.
The Trump administration pursued a hardline immigration crackdown.
Radiohead is a well-known and influential band with strong views on social issues.
What Happens Next
It is likely that ICE will respond to Radiohead's demand, potentially removing the video. The incident may spark further discussion about the appropriate use of copyrighted material by government agencies and the ethical considerations surrounding ICE's communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What song did ICE use?
ICE used a version of Radiohead's song "Let Down".
Why is Radiohead upset?
Radiohead is upset because their song was used in a promotional video for ICE without their permission and in a way they consider inappropriate.
Has ICE faced criticism before?
Yes, ICE's immigration enforcement tactics have been widely condemned by human rights advocates.
Original Source
try{ var _=i o; . if(!_||_&&typeof _==="object"&&_.expiry OpenAI hits $730B valuation as Amazon, NVIDIA, and SoftBank inject $110B Wall Street posts worst month since March amid geopolitics, trade, and AI fears Gold prices climb, with spot gold set for a monthly gain of more than 8% Where Bernstein sees gold prices ending the decade after latest update (South Africa Philippines Nigeria) Rock band Radiohead urges US ICE to take down video using its song By Reuters World Published 02/27/2026, 11:02 PM Updated 02/27/2026, 11:06 PM Rock band Radiohead urges US ICE to take down video using its song 0 By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON, Feb 27 - British rock band Radiohead said on Friday it wanted a promotional video for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that used their song to be taken down. ICE, whose immigration enforcement tactics have been widely condemned by human rights advocates during President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown, posted a video last week that used a version of Radiohead’s song "Let Down." "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," Radiohead said in a statement to media outlets. ICE did not immediately respond to request for comment outside of business hours. The song’s version appeared as a soundtrack to the video that showed a montage of victims of violence that ICE attributed to immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. Radiohead said the song was used without the band’s permission. The Trump administration has used ICE in an immigration crackdown and deportation drive that has been condemned by human rights advocates, especially after the January fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minnesota. Many celebrities have also previously condemned ICE. Rights groups say the crackdown has created a fearful environment for both citizens and immigrants, ...
