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The US Department of Homeland Security is facing backlash once again, this time from a Japanese artist who has condemned the agency for using his work without permission to promote deportations.
In a post on X on New Year’s Eve, DHS posted a photo featuring a pristine and empty beach with palm trees and a vintage car. Written across the photo was “America after 100 million deportations,” along with a separate caption that said: “The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world.”
In response to DHS’s post, Hiroshi Nagai, a 78-year old Japanese graphic designer known for his city pop and dreamscape artwork, said on X: “This image is being used without permission from the US department of homeland security. What should I do about this?”
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.
The Guardian has reached out to DHS for comment.
DHS’s use of Nagai’s work is the latest in a series of incidents in which the department has used various artists’ works to promote its immigration agenda, often without the artists’ consent.
Last July, the department shared a painting by Thomas Kinkade, an American artist, known for his idyllic depictions of American life. DHS posted the image on X with the message, “Protect the homeland,” highlighting Kinkade’s mid-century suburban landscape, complete with schoolchildren, vintage cars and people gathered around an American flag.
In response, the Kinkade Family Foundation issued a statement condemning DHS’s use of the painting, saying: “The use of his artwork was unauthorized, and we have requested that DHS remove the post.”
It added: “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.”
DHS has also drawn the ire of pop stars for using popular songs to promote deportation efforts in upbeat TikTok-style videos.
Last November, Olivia Rodrigo criticized 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 22-year old Filipino American singer wrote. In response, DHS said: “America is grateful all the time for our federal law enforcement officers who keep us safe. We suggest Ms. Rodrigo thank them for their service, not belittle their sacrifice.”
A few weeks later, Sabrina Carpenter garnered headlines after the 26-year-old singer condemned the White House for using her song Juno to promote videos of immigration raids on X.
Replying to the since deleted video which featured several Immigration Customs and Enforcement officials arresting people in what appeared to be Chicago, Carpenter wrote: “This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”
