Radiohead objects after ICE pairs “Let Down” with immigration post
Radiohead has publicly demanded that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement remove a social media video that used a choral arrangement of the band’s song “Let Down” without permission. The clip showed images of alleged victims of violent crime alongside text blaming “illegal aliens,” and Radiohead’s representatives called the music’s repurposing unacceptable — even lashing out with strong language at those responsible.
What happened
– The dispute began when ICE posted a short video on social platforms that overlaid a choral version of “Let Down” with captions asserting that criminal activity by undocumented immigrants has torn apart American families.
– Radiohead says it never authorized the use and has formally demanded the post be taken down.
Why it matters
– Artists and rights holders control how their recordings are licensed and publicly used. When a song appears in a political or enforcement-related message the creator opposes, it often sparks quick pushback.
– Beyond legal questions about licensing, these incidents touch on ethics: musicians frequently object to their work being used to support messages that clash with their values or that they see as misrepresenting vulnerable people.
A pattern emerges
This isn’t the first time ICE has faced criticism for soundtrack choices. In recent months other artists — including Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter — publicly protested when their music was paired with footage of migrants or detentions. Those episodes illustrate a growing pattern: creators and labels are more willing to go public and demand removals when their music is used in contexts they find objectionable.
Legal and practical angles
– Copyright law generally requires permission to synchronize a sound recording with moving images. Unauthorized use can lead to takedown notices, public condemnations and sometimes litigation.
– Platforms also face pressure to balance fast content sharing with rights compliance. Rights-management teams and automated detection systems are being pushed to work faster and more accurately.
What to watch next
– Whether ICE removes the video or issues a response.
– Any follow-up from Radiohead’s label or publishing representatives, which could include a formal takedown notice or legal action.
– Whether platforms tighten rules or enforcement around government accounts using licensed music. For now, Radiohead’s objection is the story — and the broader debate about music, politics and platform responsibility is only intensifying.