The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is once again under fire, this time from a Japanese artist who has publicly criticized the agency for utilizing his artwork without obtaining permission to bolster its deportation initiatives.
On New Year’s Eve, DHS shared an image on X depicting a pristine beach adorned with palm trees and a classic car. Across the photo, the words "America after 100 million deportations" were prominently displayed, accompanied by a caption that read: "The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world."
In reaction to this controversial post, 78-year-old Hiroshi Nagai, a renowned Japanese graphic designer celebrated for his dreamlike and city pop-inspired pieces, expressed his dismay on X, asking what steps he could take against this unauthorized use of his work. Nagai’s art is appreciated for its nostalgia and beauty, often portraying tranquil scenes of palm trees, serene oceans, and quiet urban landscapes, typically devoid of human figures, inviting viewers to reflect on the settings.
The Guardian has reached out to DHS for their perspective on this issue.
This instance of DHS using Nagai’s artwork adds to a troubling trend where the department has exploited the creations of various artists to further its immigration policies, frequently without securing the necessary permissions. For example, last July, DHS posted a painting by American artist Thomas Kinkade—known for his idyllic representations of American life—on X. The agency paired it with the phrase "Protect the homeland," showcasing Kinkade’s nostalgic suburban scene filled with schoolchildren and vintage automobiles, all set against the backdrop of an American flag.
In response, the Kinkade Family Foundation promptly issued a statement criticizing DHS's actions, emphasizing that the use of the painting was unauthorized and demanding the removal of the post. They stated: "At The Kinkade Family Foundation, we strongly condemn the sentiment expressed in the post and the deplorable actions that DHS continues to carry out. Like many of you, we were deeply troubled to see this image used to promote division and xenophobia associated with the ideals of DHS, as this is antithetical to our mission."
Moreover, DHS has found itself at odds with popular musicians who have condemned the agency for using their songs to promote its deportation agenda through upbeat TikTok-style advertisements. For instance, in November, singer Olivia Rodrigo vocally criticized the White House for using her song "all american bitch" in a video that encouraged undocumented immigrants to self-deport. She firmly stated: "Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda." In response to her criticism, DHS suggested that Rodrigo should express gratitude to federal law enforcement officers for their service rather than belittling their sacrifices.
Shortly thereafter, another musician, Sabrina Carpenter, made headlines when she spoke out against the White House for
