British rock band Radiohead has issued a forceful public demand for the immediate removal of a promotional video created by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which controversially features their song 'Let Down' without authorisation.
Unauthorised Use Sparks Outrage
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, commonly known as ICE, uploaded the promotional video last week. The video includes a montage of victims of violence that ICE attributes to immigrants residing in the United States illegally, with Radiohead's 1997 track 'Let Down' serving as its soundtrack.
In a scathing statement distributed to media outlets, Radiohead declared: "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." The band confirmed the song was used without their permission.
ICE's Controversial Context
The agency has faced widespread condemnation from human rights advocates for its immigration enforcement methods, particularly during President Donald Trump's hardline crackdown. The Trump administration has utilised ICE in an extensive immigration enforcement and deportation drive, which critics argue has created a fearful environment for both citizens and immigrants, especially minority groups.
This controversy follows the January fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal agents in Minnesota, which drew further criticism. Many celebrities have previously condemned ICE's actions.
Human Rights Concerns Amplified
Rights groups report that at least eight people have died in ICE detention centres since the start of 2026, following at least thirty-one deaths last year. Advocates have also raised significant concerns regarding free speech and due process in ICE's detention and attempted deportations of pro-Palestinian foreign protesters who opposed US ally Israel's assault on Gaza.
President Trump has consistently framed his administration's crackdown as necessary to curb illegal immigration and improve domestic security. However, the use of Radiohead's music has now drawn the iconic band directly into this polarising political debate.
At the time of reporting, ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside of standard business hours. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between artistic expression, copyright law, and government propaganda.
