Key Takeaways
Created with AI - we're still experimenting, so apologies if it misses the mark
- DHS released a controversial promotional video using the Pokémon franchise to portray immigration enforcement, drawing widespread condemnation online.
- The video featured scenes of immigration detentions and law enforcement activities along with sequences from the Pokémon animated series, implying the capture of people.
- Mock-up Pokémon cards were created, listing alleged crimes and weaknesses of detained individuals, adding to the controversy.
- Despite the outcry, it is unlikely that The Pokémon Company will take legal action against the U.S. government due to their preference for maintaining a low profile and avoiding public controversy.
Controversial DHS Promotional Video Uses Pokémon to Portray Immigration Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a controversial promotional video for its Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, prominently featuring Ash Ketchum and the iconic “Gotta Catch ‘Em All” tagline from the Pokémon franchise. The video juxtaposed scenes of immigration detentions and enforcement operations with imagery of Ash Ketchum throwing Poké Balls, implying the “capture” of people. It further incorporated sequences from the Pokémon animated series, showing Ash launching Poké Balls alongside footage of prisons and law enforcement activities. Adding to the controversy, DHS created mock-up Pokémon cards featuring photos of detained individuals, listing their alleged crimes and “weaknesses.” The video quickly drew widespread condemnation online, with many calling for The Pokémon Company to pursue legal action against the U.S. government for its unauthorized use of the brand. However, Don McGowan, the former chief legal officer at The Pokémon Company, informed IGN that legal action was unlikely. He cited reasons such as the company’s preference for maintaining a low profile and avoiding public controversy.
DHS Shares Controversial Pokémon-Themed Immigration Enforcement Video Without Response from The Pokémon Company
As of this writing, the video remains available, and the official DHS account continues to share it. There has been no official statement from The Pokémon Company or related entities regarding the video, nor any indication of formal legal action in the near future.
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