University of North Texas Shuts Down Exhibition Critical of ICE
The University of North Texas abruptly closed Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez's exhibition just days after its February 3, 2026 opening. The show featured the provocative "I.C.E. Scream" series, which included resin paleta sculptures containing handcuffs, replica firearms, and rosaries. Notably, popsicle sticks displayed a parody of the ICE seal reading "U.S. Inhumane and Cruelty Enforcement." Internal communications revealed that UNT President Harrison Keller and Provost Michael McPherson discussed removing pieces to avoid backlash. The exhibition had previously garnered acclaim at Boston University. Following the closure, graduating seniors opted to hold their graduation show at independent venues in Denton and Dallas.
Key facts
- Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez's exhibition at UNT closed within days of opening on February 3, 2026.
- The show included "I.C.E. Scream" series with resin paleta sculptures containing handcuffs, replica firearms, and rosaries.
- Popsicle sticks bore a parody of the ICE seal reading "U.S. Inhumane and Cruelty Enforcement."
- The exhibition had previously run successfully at Boston University.
- Text messages between UNT President Harrison Keller and Provost Michael McPherson showed they discussed removing pieces before closing the show.
- McPherson texted it would be "easier to manage any barking from our friends in Austin."
- Texas abolished DEI programs at state-funded universities in 2023 via a state senate bill.
- Graduating UNT seniors held their graduation show at independent venues in Denton and Dallas instead of on campus.
Entities
Artists
- Victor "Marka27" Quiñonez
- Deja Belardo
Institutions
- University of North Texas
- Boston University
- NPR
- The Shed
- Urgent Matter
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of North Carolina
- White House
Locations
- Denton
- Texas
- Dallas
- Ciudad Juárez
- Mexico
- Massachusetts
- Boston
- Austin
- Queens
- New York
- New York City
- Florida
- Ohio
- Santa Cruz
- California