Using detainees and prisoners as photo props has a long history in American politics

Using detainees and prisoners as photo props has a long history in American politics Photos and video of immigrants in custody have been a hallmark of President Donald Trump’s administration, and illustrate his agenda to crack down on immigration. The images have appeared in ads aired nationwide to recruit Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and in White House and federal agency social media posts. The use of these images has drawn anger and outrage, derided by some as propaganda that further punishes detainees. But this method of demonstrating political might and the power of the criminal justice system has been around for at least a century, including photos of public executions and convicted men working at Alcatraz.