Radiohead has issued a strong rebuke against the administration of President Donald Trump after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) utilized a version of one of their songs in a social media post. The agency, in a message pinned to the top of its X feed on February 18, condemned what it termed 'criminal illegal alien violence,' displaying images it described as victims, all set to a choral rendition of 'Let Down' from the band's iconic 1997 album 'OK Computer.' ICE captioned the video with 'This is who we fight for. This is our why,' but Radiohead swiftly clarified that the song was used without their consent.
Band's Forceful Statement and Criticism
In a statement widely reported by outlets such as Variety, Radiohead demanded immediate action, stating: '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. Also, go fuck yourselves... Radiohead.' The band's public relations agency further criticized ICE, labeling the video as 'propaganda' in reports from NBC News, emphasizing the unauthorized and inappropriate use of their music.
ICE's Claims and Contradictory Data
ICE defended its post by asserting it was working to protect 'American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country.' However, this narrative is challenged by data from CBS News, which revealed that during Trump's first year in office, 40% of individuals arrested by ICE had no criminal record, while only 14% faced accusations or convictions for violent offenses. Additionally, Reuters reported that at least 30 people detained by ICE last year died in custody, marking the highest death toll in decades. ProPublica also documented cases where dozens of U.S. citizens were detained, and at least two Americans, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed by federal immigration agents earlier this year.
Broader Artistic Backlash
Radiohead now joins a growing roster of artists who have publicly opposed the Trump administration, including notable figures like Bruce Springsteen, SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, Jack White, Olivia Rodrigo, and Neil Young. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between creative expression and governmental messaging, underscoring the band's stance against the misuse of their art for political purposes.
