U.S.-Mexico cartoonist Feggo encounters suppressive measures for 26-year-old depiction of border wall

Mexican-American cartoonist Felipe Galindo, known professionally as Feggo, is facing a storm of controversy over his latest illustration, "4th of July from the south border." The artwork, which has been displayed at the Smithsonian's American History Museum in Washington, D.C., and is part of Galindo's series "Manhatitlan: Mexican and American Cultures Intertwined," has been criticized by the Trump administration for promoting open borders, white privilege, various sexual identities, anti-American sentiment, and a focus on slavery in U.S. history.

Galindo, a proud Mexican and American citizen, refuted the accusation that his work encourages border crossings. He explained that the "border wall" in his illustration refers to the wall put up by George Bush Sr. after the Gulf War, not the current wall. However, critics, including The Federalist, a conservative publication, stated that the image is promoting open borders by depicting migrants watching fireworks through an opening in the US-Mexico border wall.

The controversy comes amid the closure of the Smithsonian's Molina Family Latino Gallery, home to the nascent National Museum of the American Latino, four months ahead of schedule. The closures are attributed to the upcoming "Our Shared Future: 250" programming, and the exhibition "¡Presente! A Latino History of the United States," which was showcased in the gallery, has been closed down. The "¡Presente!" space had to be de-installed to prepare for "Puro Ritmo," a bilingual, salsa-themed exhibition, seen as less controversial and set to open next spring.

The move leaves the National Museum of the American Latino without any public gallery space. Galindo expressed sadness and anger, stating that the Trump administration's actions are against freedom of expression and are racist. He voiced alarm over censorship and posted an explanatory letter about the controversy on his website and Instagram account.

The administration's campaign against the artwork is titled "President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian" and is happening amid pressure on museums to align messaging for the United States's 250th anniversary celebrations. The Smithsonian is facing a 120-day deadline to reconsider its exhibitions.

Galindo, a multiple-award-winning cartoonist whose work has appeared in The New Yorker, is no stranger to controversy. However, this latest incident has sparked a nationwide debate about artistic freedom and government censorship. The closure occurs notably during Hispanic Heritage Month in the U.S., which is observed annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, adding a poignant layer to the controversy.