The Pokémon Company has issued a statement after a controversial video from the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) surfaced online, sparking widespread criticism. The video, themed around the Pokémon franchise, attempted to tie the popular slogan “Gotta Catch ’Em All” to the agency’s immigration enforcement efforts.
In a statement shared with TMZ, The Pokémon Company clarified that it had no involvement in the creation or distribution of the content. “We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand,” the company said. “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 DHS, incorporated Pokémon anime footage and presented deportees as trading cards while captioning the clip with “Gotta Catch ’Em All.” The attempt to merge immigration enforcement messaging with the imagery of one of the world’s most recognizable children’s franchises was swiftly labeled insensitive. Critics noted the troubling juxtaposition of Pokémon’s family-friendly branding with serious subject matter involving deportation.
Nintendo, one of the joint owners of the Pokémon property alongside Game Freak and Creatures, has long maintained a strict stance on protecting its intellectual property. The company has pursued legal action against emulators, fan projects, and other unauthorized uses of its brands. In this case, however, the involvement of a U.S. government agency presents an unusual challenge, and it remains to be seen what steps The Pokémon Company may take in response.
Pokémon, originally launched in 1996, has since become the world’s highest-grossing media franchise, spanning video games, trading cards, anime, and films. Its primary audience has traditionally been children, though the series maintains global popularity across all age groups. The unexpected use of its characters in a government-produced deportation video highlights both the brand’s cultural significance and the legal complexities of enforcing intellectual property when state agencies are involved.
For now, The Pokémon Company has made clear its disapproval of the video’s message and reiterated that the use of its intellectual property was unauthorized. Whether further action follows may depend on how DHS responds to the mounting backlash.
