Radiohead Denounces ICE Over Unauthorized Use of “Let Down” in Social Media Video
Radiohead has expressed profound indignation after discovering that their seminal track “Let Down” was appropriated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for a promotional video. The clip, which surfaced on the agency’s X account on February 18, prompted a swift and scathing rebuke from the legendary rock group.
“We demand that the amateurs in control of the ICE social media account take it down,” the band asserted in a statement released Friday. “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 English quintet punctuated their message with a blunt, expletive-laden dismissal of the government agency. While the Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comment, they have yet to issue a formal response.
The controversial video features a black screen transitioning into a montage of American citizens as the third verse of the 1997 OK Computer classic plays in the background. ICE captioned the post as a tribute to victims of crimes involving undocumented individuals, framing the music as a backdrop for their current enforcement agenda.
Interestingly, “Let Down” recently experienced a massive commercial resurgence, reaching the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot 100 in August 2025—nearly three decades after its initial release. This resurgence has only heightened the band’s protective stance over the song’s legacy.
The friction comes at a time of intense national scrutiny for ICE. The agency has faced widespread condemnation for aggressive tactics following executive directives to escalate deportations. Public outcry reached a fever pitch following recent incidents in Minneapolis, where agency operations resulted in the tragic deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, a dedicated ICU nurse.
Radiohead’s voice adds to a growing chorus of musical icons protesting the agency’s methods. Artists such as Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, and Tom Morello have all voiced their opposition. Bruce Springsteen recently joined the fray, releasing the protest track “Streets of Minneapolis” and announcing his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour to advocate for justice and civil liberties.
