The US Department of Homeland Security is facing backlash once again, this time from a Japanese artist who has condemned the agency for using, without permission, his work to promote deportations.<\/p>\n
In a post on X on New Year\u2019s Eve, the department posted a photo featuring a pristine and empty beach with palm trees and a vintage car. Written across the photo was \u201cAmerica after 100 million deportations,\u201d along with a separate caption that said: \u201cThe peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world.\u201d<\/p>\n
In response to the post, Hiroshi Nagai, a 78-year old Japanese graphic designer known for his city pop and dreamscape artwork, said <\/a>on X: \u201cThis image is being used without permission from the US department of homeland security. What should I do about this?\u201d<\/p>\n Nagai is widely known for artwork inspired by 1950s Americana, often depicting lush palm trees, serene ocean scenes and dusky cityscapes. His pieces are typically devoid of people, instead presenting distant and contemplative views of urban landscapes.<\/p>\n In a statement to the Guardian, a DHS spokesperson said: \u201cDHS will continue using every tool at its disposal to keep the American people informed as our agents work to Make America Safe Again.\u201d<\/p>\n The use of Nagai\u2019s work is the latest in a series of incidents in which the department has used various artists\u2019 works to promote its immigration agenda, often without consent.<\/p>\n Last July, the department shared a painting by Thomas Kinkade, an American artist known for his idyllic depictions of American life. The homeland security department posted <\/a>the image on X with the message, \u201cProtect the homeland\u201d, highlighting Kinkade\u2019s mid-century suburban landscape, complete with schoolchildren, vintage cars and people gathered around an American flag.<\/p>\n In response, the Kinkade Family Foundation issued<\/a> a statement condemning the use of the painting, saying: \u201cThe use of his artwork was unauthorized, and we have requested that DHS remove the post.\u201d<\/p>\n It added: \u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The department has also drawn the ire of pop stars for using popular songs to promote deportation efforts in upbeat TikTok-style videos.<\/p>\n