ROUBAIX, France (AP) — A powerful mural depicting the Statue of Liberty covering her eyes has become a focal point for discussions surrounding U.S. immigration and deportation policies, particularly under President Donald Trump. This striking artwork, located in the northern French town of Roubaix, has attracted millions of views online and has sparked a significant amount of discourse.
Created by Amsterdam-based street artist Judith de Leeuw, this large mural serves as "a quiet reminder of what freedom should be." De Leeuw emphasized that "freedom feels out of reach" for migrants and those marginalized in society who often go "silenced or unseen." The artist's choice to depict Lady Liberty covering her eyes symbolizes the overwhelming weight of the world's challenges that are too heavy to witness, a stark contrast to the once-glorified beacon of liberty.
On July 4, in a Facebook post, De Leeuw explained her intent, stating, "What was once a shining symbol of liberty now carries the sorrow of lost meaning." Her depiction, rooted in historical connections—The Statue of Liberty being a gift from the French people in the late 1800s—has ignited criticism from various quarters, including U.S. lawmakers.
One notable critique came from Republican Representative Tim Burchett of Tennessee, who expressed his discontent via a post on social media, stating the mural "disgusts" him. He invoked personal sentiments, mentioning an uncle who fought and died in France during World War I and World War II, which he believes adds a level of disrespect to the iconic symbol’s portrayal in this manner.
De Leeuw, however, remains steadfast in her stance, declaring, "I’m not offended to be hated by the Donald Trump movement. I am not sorry. This is the right thing to do." The local government in Roubaix has shown support for the mural, with Frédéric Lefebvre, the deputy mayor responsible for cultural affairs, describing it as “a very strong and powerful political message.”
Since Trump's return to the presidency amidst a climate of heightened anti-immigration sentiments, his administration has pushed the boundaries of executive power, exhibiting contentious behaviors regarding immigration policies. Numerous reports spotlight instances where individuals have been deported to unfamiliar or unsafe places, including regions in Africa like South Sudan and Eswatini.
Recent polling by Gallup indicates a shift in public opinion, revealing an increasing number of Americans now believe immigration is beneficial. Concurrently, there is a decline in support for the mass deportations that Trump has advocated, signifying a possible change in the national conversation surrounding these issues.
The mural in Roubaix is part of an urban street culture festival supported by the town, known for its large immigrant community. Roubaix itself has a complex economic history, having suffered significantly since the 1970s due to the decline of its textile industry, which once attracted migrant workers from diverse backgrounds.
The mural stands not only as a piece of art but also as a reflection of contemporary societal issues, encouraging discourse on freedom, immigration, and national identity in both France and the United States.
