The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is facing significant criticism after it used a Japanese artist's copyrighted work without permission to promote its immigration enforcement policies.
Artist's work used in controversial 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 agency overlaid the picture with the text "America after 100 million deportations" and captioned it with the phrase "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, responded on X, stating: "This image is being used without permission from the US department of homeland security. What should I do about this?"
A pattern of unauthorised use emerges
This incident is not an isolated one for the DHS. The department has developed a pattern of using artists' creations to further its immigration agenda, frequently without seeking consent.
In July 2025, the agency used a painting by the late American artist Thomas Kinkade, known for his idyllic suburban scenes. 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 condemning the sentiment and the agency's actions as antithetical to their mission.
The controversy extends beyond visual art. In November 2025, pop singer Olivia Rodrigo criticised the White House for using her song "all american bitch" in a video encouraging undocumented immigrants to self-deport. The Filipino American singer demanded they stop using her music to promote "racist, hateful propaganda." DHS responded by suggesting Rodrigo should thank federal officers for their service.
Weeks later, singer Sabrina Carpenter also made headlines after condemning the use of her song "Juno" in a video showcasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Carpenter called the video "evil and disgusting" and told officials not to involve her music in their "inhumane agenda."
Broader context and agency silence
This latest controversy comes as the DHS and ICE are reportedly planning a $100 million "wartime recruitment" media campaign to attract new enforcement agents. The aggressive promotional tactics, including the unauthorised use of artwork and music, appear to be part of a concerted effort to bolster support for stringent immigration measures.
The Guardian has contacted the DHS for comment on the use of Hiroshi Nagai's artwork, but the agency has not yet publicly responded to the artist's complaint. The repeated incidents highlight ongoing tensions between government messaging campaigns and intellectual property rights, raising questions about the ethics of using cultural works for politically charged propaganda.
