The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has sparked a fresh wave of controversy after it used the work of a prominent Japanese artist without his consent to promote its immigration enforcement policies.
Artist's work used in provocative social media post
On New Year's Eve, the DHS posted an image on the social media platform X featuring a pristine, empty beach scene with palm trees and a vintage car. The text superimposed on the image read, "America after 100 million deportations." A separate caption accompanying the post stated: "The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world."
The artwork was quickly identified as the creation of Hiroshi Nagai, a 78-year-old Japanese graphic designer renowned for his 'city pop' and dreamscape aesthetic. Nagai, whose work often draws inspiration from 1950s Americana and features serene, people-free vistas, publicly questioned the department's actions. In a post on X, he wrote: "This image is being used without permission from the US department of homeland security. What should I do about this?"
A pattern of unauthorised usage emerges
This incident is not an isolated one for the DHS. The department has developed a pattern of utilising artists' creations to further its political messaging, frequently without seeking approval.
In July of last year, the agency shared a painting by the late American artist Thomas Kinkade, known for his idyllic scenes of suburban American life. The DHS post, which included the message "Protect the homeland," was swiftly condemned by The Kinkade Family Foundation. The foundation issued a statement calling the use "unauthorised" and demanded the post's removal, strongly criticising the "division and xenophobia" it associated with the DHS agenda.
The department has also repeatedly drawn the ire of musicians. In November, pop star Olivia Rodrigo criticised the White House for using her song "all american bitch" in a video encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. "Don’t ever use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda," the singer stated. Weeks later, fellow artist Sabrina Carpenter condemned the use of her song "Juno" in a video showcasing immigration raids, calling the footage "evil and disgusting."
Broader context and ongoing recruitment drive
This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of an aggressive DHS recruitment campaign. The agency's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) division is planning a $100 million yearlong 'wartime recruitment' media blitz aimed at attracting new enforcement agents.
The repeated unauthorised use of creative work has positioned the DHS at the centre of a debate concerning government propaganda, artistic rights, and the tone of its immigration enforcement strategy. As of now, The Guardian's request for comment from the Department of Homeland Security on the latest incident remains unanswered.
