Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
3h ago

Pokémon Company Disavows DHS Video Using Theme Song for ICE Raid Montage

The company publicly denied granting permission, showing no indication it will sue.

Image
Homeland Security uses Pokémon theme in social media post to highlight apprehensions
Pokémon characters wear Cubs and Dodgers jerseys for the opening day game game at the Tokyo Dome in March. Pokémon said this week it did not give permission for use of its intellectual property in a Homeland Security video. (JOHN J. KIM/CHICAGO TRIBUNE)

Overview

  • DHS posted a one-minute video on Monday that paired ICE raid footage with Pokémon imagery and the “Gotta Catch ’Em All” theme on its official X account.
  • The Pokémon Company said it was not involved in creating or distributing the content and did not grant permission for use of its intellectual property.
  • The DHS post remained live on the agency’s feed as of the latest reporting, and the company has given no public signal of pursuing legal action.
  • Comedian Theo Von objected to the use of his clip in related DHS content, and that specific video was subsequently taken down.
  • DHS followed the montage with Pokémon-style “Worst of the Worst” trading cards featuring arrestees’ mugshots and charges, and CBP shared a Pikachu gif referencing a “newest recruit.”