Radiohead Slams Trump Administration After ICE Misuses Their Song

Radiohead has taken a firm stand against the Trump administration following the unauthorized use of their song in a controversial video by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The band expressed their discontent after ICE shared a clip on February 18, highlighting what it termed “criminal illegal alien violence,” accompanied by a choral rendition of “Let Down” from their acclaimed 1997 album “OK Computer.”

“This is who we fight for,” ICE proclaimed in its post, which was pinned to the top of its X feed, showcasing images of alleged victims. The agency's message aimed to justify its actions, claiming to advocate for “American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country.”

In response, Radiohead made it abundantly clear that the song was used without their permission. Their public relations team condemned ICE’s actions, labeling the video as “propaganda.” Reports indicate that the band’s statement was widely circulated, including coverage by various media outlets.

Statistics reveal a troubling reality: during Trump’s first year, 40% of those arrested by ICE had no criminal record, while only 14% faced serious accusations or had convictions for violent crimes. This raises questions about the agency's narrative.

Moreover, investigations have shown that at least 30 individuals detained by ICE last year died while in custody, marking the highest death toll in decades. ProPublica has also reported that numerous U.S. citizens have been wrongfully detained, with tragic incidents involving federal immigration agents resulting in the deaths of Americans like Renee Good and Alex Pretti earlier this year.

Radiohead is not alone in their condemnation; a growing roster of artists, including Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Jack White, and Olivia Rodrigo, have voiced their opposition to the Trump administration's policies and actions.