David Byrne Plays ICE Footage During 'Life During Wartime' Performances

The Talking Heads frontman has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration's policies.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:54pm

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A striking black and white abstract composition featuring sharp, angular shapes and forms, conveying a sense of unease and confrontation without depicting any specific imagery related to immigration or law enforcement.David Byrne's use of ICE footage during his 'Life During Wartime' performances highlights the artist's activism against the Trump administration's immigration policies.Chicago Today

David Byrne, the frontman of the iconic band Talking Heads, has been playing footage of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during his performances of the song 'Life During Wartime' while touring to promote his new album 'Who is the Sky?'. Byrne revealed the move in an interview with Stephen Colbert, saying the footage depicts an ICE agent chasing a delivery person on a bike. Byrne has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration's actions, including its conflict with Iran.

Why it matters

Byrne's use of the ICE footage during his concerts is a powerful political statement, highlighting the administration's controversial immigration policies and crackdown on undocumented immigrants. As a respected musician with a large following, Byrne's actions bring further attention to these issues and demonstrate how artists are using their platforms to voice dissent against the government.

The details

During an interview on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', Byrne said he has been playing 'ICE footage' at the end of his performances of the Talking Heads song 'Life During Wartime' while on tour. Byrne described the footage as depicting an ICE agent chasing a delivery person on a bike, with the delivery person ultimately getting away. Byrne said the footage was first debuted during his show in Chicago and that the audience reaction was the 'biggest, coolest reaction' comedian John Mulaney had ever seen.

  • Byrne revealed the ICE footage during a recent interview on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert'.
  • The footage was first shown during Byrne's concert in Chicago.

The players

David Byrne

The frontman of the iconic band Talking Heads, who has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration and its policies.

Stephen Colbert

The host of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert', where Byrne discussed his use of the ICE footage during his concerts.

John Mulaney

A comedian who attended one of Byrne's concerts and witnessed the audience's reaction to the ICE footage.

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What they’re saying

“The times we live in, we need some color.”

— David Byrne, Talking Heads Frontman

“The biggest, coolest reaction I've ever seen from a live audience, ever.”

— John Mulaney, Comedian

What’s next

Byrne's use of the ICE footage during his concerts is likely to continue drawing attention to the administration's immigration policies as he continues his tour. The reaction from audiences and fellow artists will be closely watched.

The takeaway

Byrne's decision to incorporate ICE footage into his live performances of 'Life During Wartime' demonstrates how artists are using their platforms to make powerful political statements and draw attention to issues they care about. His actions reflect the broader trend of musicians, actors, and other public figures speaking out against the Trump administration's actions.