AceShowbiz - Radiohead has publicly condemned the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using an unauthorized cover of their song Let Down in a recent Instagram video. The video, posted by ICE, featured a choral rendition of the track from the band's acclaimed 1997 album OK Computer, used to underscore footage implying harm caused by immigrants.

The Instagram video concluded with the statement "This Is Our Why," accompanied by lyrics from Let Down: "You know where you are with/ You know where you are with/ Floor collapses, floating/ Bouncing back/ And one day I am gonna grow wings/ A chemical reaction/ Hysterical and useless." Below the video, the caption read: "Thousands of American families have been torn apart because of criminal illegal alien violence. American citizens raped and murdered by those who have no right to be in our country. This is who we fight for. This is our why."

In response, Radiohead swiftly released a statement demanding the video be taken down. They wrote, "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..."

The video from ICE sparked significant backlash online, highlighting the controversial use of music by governmental agencies to frame narratives related to immigration enforcement. The band's strong language underscores their frustration with the unauthorized and politicized use of their art.

Last year, Let Down experienced a resurgence in popularity when it went viral on TikTok. Vocalist Thom Yorke told The Sunday Times he found this "especially bizarre" because he had fought "tooth and nail" to keep the song off the album. Guitarist Ed O'Brien recalled insisting on including it, joking that if it wasn’t on the record, he would have left the band. Despite the song's inclusion, Yorke expressed surprise at its TikTok success, noting his children’s take on it: "What do you expect? Teenagers are depressed. It’s depressing music!"

Drummer Philip Selway also shared his experience of the band's cross-generational appeal. He recounted hearing schoolboys playing Everything In Its Right Place from Kid A on a piano alongside Bohemian Rhapsody during a visit to a station, illustrating how younger audiences continue to embrace Radiohead's work.

This incident is not the first time an artist has challenged ICE over unauthorized music usage. In November, singer Olivia Rodrigo publicly criticized ICE for using a segment of her song All-American Bitch in a video showing ICE officers forcibly detaining individuals. Rodrigo condemned the usage, stating, "Don't ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda," though her comment was later deleted.

Recent weeks have seen intensified criticism of ICE amid the deaths of US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good in January, both of whom died at the hands of ICE agents. These tragic events have fueled widespread calls to hold ICE accountable, with many artists and public figures speaking out.

Among the most vocal critics has been Bruce Springsteen, who demanded ICE "get the fuck out of Minneapolis" and authorized the use of his iconic song Born In The USA in an anti-ICE video. Springsteen also debuted a protest song titled Streets Of Minneapolis during a surprise benefit concert hosted by Tom Morello, reinforcing his opposition to the agency's actions.

Other musicians and celebrities joining the condemnation include Lady Gaga, Billie Eilish, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, Moby, Zara Larsson, actor and musician Joe Keery, voice actor Yuri Lowenthal, Duran Duran, and Dave Matthews among others. Their collective voices have amplified calls for justice and reform regarding ICE’s conduct.

In related news, members of Radiohead have recently taken steps to control how their music is used in media. Guitarist Jonny Greenwood and filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson requested the removal of their Phantom Thread score from a documentary about Melania Trump. However, producer Marc Beckman maintained the music would remain in the film indefinitely.

Additionally, the five members of Radiohead have registered a new private limited company, signaling potential new projects or endeavors in the near future. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see what the band plans next amid their ongoing advocacy for artistic control.