Artist Accuses DHS of Copyright Infringement in Meme Promoting Mass Deportation
The Department of Homeland Security under Kristi Noem has come under fire for using copyrighted artwork to promote its anti-immigration agenda, drawing criticism from artists like Hiroshi Nagai. Nagai’s work, depicting an American car on a beach with a looming wave, was used to depict “America After 100 Million Deportations” without his consent, sparking outrage. This pattern of unauthorized use extends to other artists and media personalities, including Sabrina Carpenter and Thomas Kinkade, who have condemned the administration’s actions. Critics argue these efforts employ “edgy” internet humor, memes, and generative AI to appeal to younger audiences and promote mass deportations.
John Q. Hosedrinker