U.S. Homeland Security Posts Pokémon-Inspired Video, Card Images – Anime News Network

Key Takeaways:

• DHS used Pokémon-themed imagery and the slogan “Gotta Catch ’Em All” in a new video.
• The Pokémon Company states no permission was given for this use.
• Multiple media outlets, including the BBC and Los Angeles Times, reported on the incident.
• Critics cite concerns over copyright and brand misuse.
• The DHS content also involved other unauthorized material, such as Theo Von videos, according to sources.

Bringing Pokémon Into Immigration Enforcement
A recent promotional video from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) featured Pokémon-inspired artwork and card-style animations to highlight immigration arrests. The use of the iconic phrase “Gotta Catch ’Em All” drew swift reactions from fans and officials alike.

Pokémon’s Stance on Unauthorized Use
The Pokémon Company immediately protested, emphasizing that it had not granted any permission for its widely recognized imagery or catchphrases to be used in connection with deportations. Public statements from the company indicated significant concern over what it viewed as misuse of its brand.

Media Coverage and Criticism
Major news outlets, including Anime News Network, BBC, and the Los Angeles Times, picked up the story, further amplifying debates on copyright and ethical communication practices by government agencies. Axios reported that DHS also used other unauthorized content, including clips of comedian Theo Von, prompting further pushback from the public.

Concerns Over Intellectual Property Rights
This controversy highlights a broader issue of brand misuse in official campaigns. Critics argue that the government must secure proper authorization before employing popular culture references. By borrowing elements from successful franchises like Pokémon, the federal agency inadvertently stepped into a debate about intellectual property protections.

“Gotta Catch ’Em All” in a New Context
While the tagline has always been associated with capturing fictional creatures, DHS deployed it to underscore its immigration mission—an unusual juxtaposition that many found questionable. Fox News noted that the official DHS video framed its immigration enforcement as a parallel to collecting characters, fueling discussions about the appropriateness of blending pop culture with policy.

The broader outcome remains to be seen, but for now, the Pokémon Company’s protest shines a spotlight on how swiftly brand owners can—and often will—react when their intellectual property is co-opted for campaigns they never authorized.