Police in Highland Park are investigating after a mural meant to be a welcome sign to the community was defaced overnight.

The mural painted by Amrisa Nirajan at 75 Raritan Ave. was completed on Wednesday. Police believe it was vandalized on Friday sometime between 7 and 10 p.m.

The star of David and the words USA were sprayed painted over the face of a woman wearing a hijab.

News 12 New Jersey was told there were also pieces of paper with USA written on them taped to the mural.

The artist's and the collaborators' names at the bottom left-hand corner were also sprayed painted over.

News 12 New Jersey spoke with the artist who said she was racially harassed while working on the mural. She said she was asked questions like why there weren't any white faces on the artwork.

Several organizations came together for the installation called "Home is Where We Make It."

The mural was meant to be a beacon that welcomes refugees and asylum seekers to the community.

The artist, along with the other collaborators, have decided, for now, not to paint over the graffiti.

Highland Park police is asking anyone with information to come forward. They ask if anyone who lives or works in the area and have cameras outside their business or your home to contact them.