Radiohead blasts ICE for using their song in video mourning victims of migrant crime, demands it be taken down

Radiohead demands ICE remove pro-Trump video featuring their song "Let Down" that commemorates victims of alleged illegal immigrant violence, calling agency officials "amateurs."

Why This Matters

The controversy surrounding the use of Radiohead's song 'Let Down' in a video by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) highlights the ongoing debate over the role of music in politics and the power of artists to shape public discourse. This incident has sparked a heated discussion about the ethics of using music in propaganda and the potential consequences for artists who have their work used in such a manner. The issue is particularly relevant given the current polarized climate and the increasing use of music in political campaigns.

In Week 10 2026, Crime & Justice accounted for 26 related article(s), with International setting the broader headline context. Coverage of Crime & Justice decreased by 116 article(s) versus the prior week, but remained material in the weekly agenda.

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Context

The use of music in politics has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with many artists speaking out against their work being used in campaigns they disagree with. The incident involving Radiohead's song has been covered by various outlets, with some focusing on the band's demands for the video to be taken down and others exploring the broader implications for artists and their relationships with government agencies. The controversy has also sparked a debate about the role of ICE and its use of propaganda in its communications.

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