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U.S. Homeland Security Posts Pokémon-Inspired Video, Card Images

The social media accounts of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers detaining people, set to the tune of Pokémon's American theme song, on Tuesday. The posts' captions read, “Gotta Catch 'Em All,” in an caricature of Pokémon's slogan.

Warning: The video contains graphic and violent imagery.

The Pokémon Co. International gave the following statement to Eurogamer website, The Hill newspaper, and other outlets: “We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand. 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."

Reactions to the DHS video have been mixed. Some comments across the department's social media praised the video for the “comedic value” or extended its premise further, while other comments suggested Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and GAME FREAK take legal action against the department.

However, legal action may be more difficult than one expects. American media outlet IGN reached out to Don McGowan, the former Chief Legal Officer [CLO] and Business Affairs for The Pokémon Company, for his opinion regarding the matter. McGowan noted two reasons why Nintendo, The Pokémon Company, and GAME FREAK could not or would not take legal action. “First, think of how little you see [The Pokémon Company International's] name in the press. They are INSANELY publicity-shy and prefer to let the brand be the brand. Second, many of their execs in the USA are on green cards. Even if I was still at the company I wouldn't touch this, and I'm the most trigger-happy CLO I've ever met. This will blow over in a couple of days and they'll be happy to let it." McGowan said to the outlet.

Sources: DHS's X/Twitter account, DHS's Facebook page, DHS's Instagram account, Pokémon's X/Twitter account, Snopes, Eurogamer (link 2), IGN, The Hill