Last week, Tom Morello, his son Roman Morello and Serj Tankian released “ADJOURN IT,” a politically charged track criticizing the U.S. government, anti-immigration policies, and the abusive tactics used by DHS and ICE in Los Angeles.
While the song’s message is already unmistakably direct, Morello and Tankian recently shared a new video further explaining the motivations behind the collaboration, along with the creative process that shaped the single.
According to Morello, the idea for the song emerged following recent immigration raids across Los Angeles, which the guitarist described as a campaign of terror targeting immigrant communities:
“The streets of L.A. were being terrorized by Gestapo-like tactics. Businesses having to shut down, families hiding, children being abducted from school. We felt like we had to do what we can with the tools we have, and our tools are music and art.”
Tankian shared a similar perspective, directly criticizing the immigration policies pushed by the current administration and the human cost behind the raids.
“This disturbed all of us. We’re seeing families being separated and people who have contributed culturally, morally, and financially to this country being treated like criminals.”
Tankian also referenced reports claiming that thousands of children have been separated from deported parents, describing the situation as “a trauma” for the United States.
The title “ADJOURN IT” also carries a double meaning. While “adjourn” references the legal act of suspending or postponing court proceedings, Morello explained that the phrase also functions as a broader rejection of fascism, white supremacy, and billionaire-controlled politics.
“We want to get rid of the rising tide of fascism. We want to get rid of these horrible Gestapo tactics. We want to get rid of this rule of billionaires and this white supremacy that’s choking us all right now.”
Tankian added that the concept also directly connects to recent immigration court proceedings, where multiple people were reportedly detained after attending their own hearings.
“People were showing up to court, and they were getting handcuffed and taken away before judges could even adjourn their cases."
“ADJOURN IT” also marks another collaboration between Morello and Tankian, whose artistic and political partnership stretches back more than two decades. The two musicians co-founded Axis of Justice in 2002, an organization focused on grassroots activism and social justice within rock and metal communities.
The track will appear on Morello’s upcoming solo rock album, continuing the politically driven legacy that has defined much of his career both inside and outside of Rage Against the Machine.
You can watch the full video below.
