In brief
The Pokémon Company has issued a statement confirming it did not authorize the use of its theme song and other brand-related footage in a deportation video shared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The video features various arrest scenes alongside a Pokémon slogan, which has raised questions about the ethical implications of using entertainment properties in governmental messaging related to immigration enforcement. The controversy extends to other public figures, including comedian Theo Von, who objected to his content being used in a similar context, highlighting a growing concern over the appropriation of cultural imagery in serious political discourse.
Pokémon did not give permission for ICE deportation video
1 hour agoShareSaveEmma SaundersCulture reporterShareSavePokémon has said it did not give permission for the use of its theme song and other footage to be used in an ICE deportation raid video posted by the US government.
We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand, Pokémon Company International said in a statement to the BBC.
Our company was not involved in the creation or distribution of this content, and permission was not granted for the use of our intellectual property.
The video, posted by the Homeland Security X account and the White House on TikTok, shows several arrests made by border patrol and ICE agents alongside Pokémon's slogan Gotta catch 'em all.
It also features footage from the opening credits of Pokémon's anime TV show with main character Ash Ketchum.
The video ends with images of fake Pokémon trading cards featuring the mugshots of men and women arrested by ICE and their alleged crimes, including murder, paedophilia, burglary, murder and child endangerment.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has been carrying out raids across the US following Trump's migration policy to provide the largest deportation programme of criminals in the history of America.
'Keep me out of deportation videos'
Getty ImagesMeanwhile, comedian and podcaster Theo Von has objected to another Department of Homeland Security video, which used a clip of him saying Heard you got deported, dude - bye to reveal the agency's deportation numbers.
Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this, Von wrote on X.
I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your 'banger' deportation videos.
When it comes to immigration my thoughts and heart are a lot more nuanced than this video allows. Bye!
On Tuesday, the department shared a 31-second video clip on X with the caption Bye, although the post now appears to have been removed.
It kicked off with the clip of Von, followed by a claim that two million illegal immigrants had been deported in the first 250 days of President Trump's second term.
It then showed Trump saying They simply stopped coming, they're not coming any more, before ending with a plane taking off with the words Leave now written over the image.
It comes after British singer Jess Glynne said in July she felt sick that the White House had used the viral Jet2holiday advert featuring her song as the audio to a video promoting deportations.
The White House posted a clip on X showing handcuffed people being escorted by ICE on to a GlobalX flight.
Jet2's advert featuring Glynne's 2015 single Hold my Hand, and a cheery voiceover saying nothing beats a Jet2 holiday - which has become a meme - played over the video.
