Pokémon Company Denies Authorizing ICE Raid Video Use of Theme Song

The Pokémon Company International has publicly stated that it was not involved in or gave permission for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) use of Pokémon intellectual property in a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid video. The video, titled "Gotta Catch 'Em All," features the Pokémon theme song, clips of the character Ash Ketchum, and fake Pokémon trading cards with mugshots of detainees accused of various crimes. The company emphasized that it did not authorize the use of its imagery and music and has not confirmed any plans for legal action. The video has sparked significant backlash from fans and immigrant rights advocates, and DHS also faced criticism for unauthorized use of other personalities such as comedian Theo Von. This incident is part of a pattern of DHS using copyrighted material without permission, which has led to previous removals of similar content. Pokémon reaffirmed its commitment to responsible use of its brand while distancing itself from the DHS video and its message.