The Pokémon Company International has expressed discontent over the unauthorized use of its intellectual property by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A recent video posted by the department on social‑media platforms, including X and Facebook, featured imagery and language associated with the Pokémon brand and was set to the theme song of the Pokémon TV show. The video combined clips from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids with footage of Pokémon’s protagonist, Ash Ketchum.
In its statement, the Pokémon Company clarified that it was not involved in creating or distributing the content and that no permission was granted for the use of its intellectual property. The company’s response came after fans of the franchise spoke out against the video, many of whom deemed it dehumanizing. Critics have described the juxtaposition of Pokémon imagery with footage of ICE raids as an example of the Trump administration’s unconventional approach to social media.
The video includes clips from various ICE raids in which individuals alleged to be undocumented immigrants are 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 U.S. citizens.
The Pokémon Company’s decision to speak out may be significant, given its initial silence on the matter. Nintendo, the parent company of the Pokémon franchise, is known for being stringent in protecting its intellectual property. Although some executives are green‑card holders and may have been hesitant to comment initially, backlash from fans and social‑media users prompted the company 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 will 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.
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