Nintendo Responds as Department of Homeland Security Uses Pokémon Theme in ICE Video Without Permission

Nintendo Responds as Department of Homeland Security Uses Pokémon Theme in ICE Video Without Permission In a move that has drawn widespread criticism across the gaming community and beyond, the U.S.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) posted a video on its official Twitter account featuring footage from various Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, set to the iconic Pokémon anime theme song.

Titled “Gotta Catch ‘Em All,” the video has reignited discussions about unauthorized use of copyrighted material and the government's approach to intellectual property rights—particularly with well-guarded brands like Nintendo's Pokémon. The video, approximately one minute in length, intercuts real-life footage of ICE officials entering private residences and detaining immigrants with animated segments from the opening of the Pokémon anime.

These include scenes of the protagonist Ash Ketchum looking skyward in a packed stadium, throwing a Poké Ball, and various moments featuring beloved Pokémon creatures.

Stylized text using the official Pokémon font spell out “The Department of Homeland Security.” The video concludes with a rapid display of individuals previously detained by ICE, utilizing graphics akin to Pokémon cards and assigning each a list of charges, accompanied by a “Worst of the Worst” badge in the lower corner. Since its posting, the video has sparked considerable backlash on social media platforms.

Many have criticized the DHS for trivializing the seriousness of immigration enforcement actions and the real-world hardships faced by affected families.

The juxtaposition of beloved children’s media with contentious law enforcement footage has amplified concerns, and numerous users have pointed out the problematic nature of appropriating copyrighted material without consent, especially given Nintendo's reputation for diligently protecting its intellectual property across platforms including the Nintendo Switch and the eShop. A Nintendo spokesperson underscored the company’s ongoing commitment to IP defense, stating: “Nintendo continues to enforce its copyrights to protect the integrity of its brands and the trust of its fans.” The Pokémon Company, which co-manages the Pokémon franchise along with Nintendo, has similarly expressed vigilance in safeguarding its audiovisual content and trademarks.

Both companies have a long history of challenging unauthorized uses—whether in fan-made games, marketing campaigns, or public promotional materials—across all media and territories. Copyright lawyers and legal analysts point out that the undisputed, direct use of copyrighted anime music and video footage in an official government social media post constitutes clear grounds for a copyright infringement claim, should Nintendo or The Pokémon Company choose to pursue legal action.

Given the franchise’s longstanding popularity and commercial success—spanning over two decades, multiple hardware generations, and cumulative sales exceeding 440 million units worldwide as of 2023—protection of the Pokémon brand remains paramount for its stakeholders. As the incident continues to unfold, the broader discussion about IP rights, government accountability, and brand image in the digital era intensifies.

For now, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have yet to announce any direct legal steps regarding the video’s use but have reiterated, through official channels, their unwavering stance on upholding copyright and intellectual property protections.

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