Homeland Security Defies Pokémon Over Unauthorized Use of Iconic Song

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has refused to back down amid criticism over its use of the Pokémon theme song “Gotta Catch ’Em All” in social media campaigns supporting ICE deportations. In a pointed reply, a DHS spokesperson humorously stated, “To arrest them is our real test. To deport them is our cause,” a play on the song’s chorus.

These remarks followed a statement from Pokémon Company International condemning the DHS leveraging their brand without permission. The company clarified, “Our company was not involved in creating or sharing this content, and we did not authorize the use of our intellectual property.”

Earlier in the week, the DHS shared a one-minute video on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), combining footage of ICE raids, arrests, and explosions with scenes from the Pokémon opening theme. The video also featured mock Pokémon cards depicting individuals charged with serious crimes, including murder, human smuggling, and child abuse. Several of these posts remain publicly accessible.

The campaign drew further criticism for the unsettling juxtaposition of criminal charges with familiar Pokémon imagery, aiming to portray alleged illegal immigrants as villains. An accompanying photograph shows a person holding a pile of Pokémon trading cards, amid scattered cards on a table, highlighting the company’s stance against the unauthorized use of its characters.

The Pokémon Company, a subsidiary managing properties outside Asia, expressed disappointment over the unapproved use of its intellectual property. Meanwhile, the DHS has previously removed content that used viral clips without consent, such as a video featuring comedian Theo Von’s popular phrase, “Heard you got deported dude. Bye,” which was taken down at Von’s request.