Overview

• Homeland Security posted a roughly one‑minute video on Sept. 22 that set ICE arrest footage to the Pokémon theme and the caption “Gotta Catch ’Em All,” ending with suspects depicted as mock trading cards.
• The Pokémon Company said it was not involved and did not grant permission to use its music, imagery, or catchphrase, confirming the post was unauthorized.
• The video continues to circulate on DHS social feeds, even as a separate DHS post using comedian Theo Von’s likeness was removed after he objected.
• A DHS spokesperson answered permission questions by riffing on the show’s lyrics, and CBP engaged the meme by calling a dancing Pikachu gif “Border Patrol’s newest recruit.”
• Public backlash has driven calls for takedowns or legal action, a former Pokémon legal chief predicted no lawsuit, and advocates say at least one raid clip shown has been challenged over warrant and conduct concerns.