The Pokémon Company International has expressed discontent over the unauthorized use of its intellectual property by the US Department of Homeland Security. A recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security on social media platforms, including X and Facebook, featured imagery and language associated with the Pokémon brand, set to the theme song of the Pokémon TV show. The video showcased clips from Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids, interspersed with footage of Pokémon’s protagonist, Ash Ketchum.
The Pokémon Company International issued a statement clarifying that it was not involved in the creation or distribution of the content and that permission was not granted for the use of its intellectual property. The company’s statement came after fans of the franchise spoke out against the video, which many deemed dehumanizing. The video’s use of Pokémon imagery alongside footage of ICE raids has been criticized as an example of the Trump Administration’s unconventional approach to social media.
The video in question includes clips from various ICE raids, where individuals alleged to be undocumented immigrants are being searched and arrested by ICE officers. One of the raids featured in the video was reportedly overseen by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and resulted in the wrongful detention of two US citizens. The Pokémon Company International’s decision to speak out against the video’s use of its intellectual property may be seen as a significant move, given the company’s initial silence on the matter.
Nintendo, the parent company of the Pokémon franchise, is known for being stringent in protecting its intellectual property. The company’s executives, some of whom are green card holders, may have been hesitant to comment on the matter initially, but the backlash from fans and social media users prompted the Pokémon Company International to issue a statement. As of now, the video remains available on official Department of Homeland Security social media accounts, and it is unclear whether the Pokémon Company International or Nintendo intend to take further action against the unauthorized use of their intellectual property. The Department of Homeland Security has been contacted for comment, and a response is awaited.