‘This is fascist America’: Anish Kapoor may sue after border agents pose by his sculpture

Artist says ‘military style’ raids in US are ‘beyond belief’ while discussing new Southbank show next year

The artist Anish Kapoor is considering taking legal action after border patrol agents posed for a photo in front of his Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago, saying the scene represented “fascist America”.

The Indian-born artist said he was sent the image by a friend who lives in the US city on Tuesday morning in a conversation about his show at the Southbank Centre’s Hayward Gallery, which will open next year.

“Abducting street vendors, breaking doors, pulling people from cars, using teargas on residential streets,” he said about the agents, who were reportedly celebrating after “military style” immigration enforcement raids. “I mean, this is fascist America and just beyond belief.”

There have been reports that more than 1,000 people have been arrested by the federal agents since the crackdown began in September. When asked if he was considering legal options, Kapoor said: “Of course, I’m going to do everything I can.”