Distress Flag Mural (public art): Difference between revisions

Thereafter, Daniel Kitzman, a supervisory border agent for the San Diego Sector of the US Border Patrol, contacted Hector Lopez, co-founder of the US Deported Veterans support house, obliging Gregory to remove or alter the painted flag. This was the first objection made since the creation of the mural five years ago, insinuating political disagreements and an attempt by the federal government to squelch free speech.  

Subsequently, Gregory refused to change the painting, asserting that his aim was to "raise awareness around the issue of deported veterans. It's not about us trying to take on our own government or us trying to create imagery that's hostile toward the United States of America" (Gregory, April 2018).  

The National Coalition Against Censorship (NCAC) advised USCBP, to respect the artistic expression of deported US military veterans and artists, who are protected by federal acts and the First Amendment. NCAC wrote a letter to the San Diego Sector of USCBP on this basis.