British alternative rock band Radiohead has issued a public statement condemning the Trump administration for using its music in a social media video. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) posted a video on February 18 featuring Radiohead’s song “Let Down” from the group’s seminal 1997 album “OK Computer.”
The ICE post included the text: “Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence,” followed by, “American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country.”
Radiohead rebuked ICE with a blistering statement demanding that the agency remove the post from its social media accounts. The band stated: “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. Go [expletive] yourself.”
The Department of Homeland Security responded by emphasizing compassion for victims, with deputy assistant secretary Lauren Bis stating: “We fight for the Laken Riley, Jocelyn Nungaray, Rachel Morin, Katie Abraham, and countless other American victims of illegal alien crime.” She added, “Where is the compassion for the mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters of Americans who have been brutally raped and murdered by criminal illegal aliens?”
Other musicians have also criticized ICE’s use of their work. In November, ICE posted a video set to an Olivia Rodrigo song, prompting Rodrigo to write: “Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda.” DHS responded at the time with: “America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice.”
