In brief
In a surprising turn of events, Pokémon Company International has officially stated it did not consent to the use of its brand in a recent video by the Department of Homeland Security. The video, depicting ICE deportation raids, featured iconic Pokémon imagery alongside the phrase 'Gotta catch 'em all.' This has raised significant concerns regarding the use of intellectual property in politically charged contexts.
Pokémon has said it did not give permission for the use of its theme song and other footage to be used in an ICE deportation raid video posted by the US government.
We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand, Pokémon Company International stated in response to the BBC. Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property.
The video, posted by the Homeland Security X account and the White House on TikTok, shows several arrests made by border patrol and ICE agents alongside Pokémon's slogan Gotta catch 'em all.
It also features footage from the opening credits of Pokémon's anime TV show with main character Ash Ketchum.
The video ends with images of fake Pokémon trading cards featuring the mugshots of men and women arrested by ICE, showcasing their alleged crimes, which include murder and child endangerment.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has been carrying out raids across the US as part of Trump's migration policy, aimed at providing the largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America.
'Keep me out of deportation videos'
Meanwhile, comedian and podcaster Theo Von has objected to another Department of Homeland Security video that used a clip of him saying Heard you got deported, dude - bye to showcase deportation numbers. Von expressed on X, Yooo DHS I didn't approve to be used in this, and requested that his clip be removed and that he be kept out of such videos.
This controversy follows past criticisms from artists like British singer Jess Glynne, who reacted with frustration after the White House incorporated her song into a deportation video, deeming it sick.
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