A disturbing promotional video from the US Department of Homeland Security has gone viral, featuring the iconic Pokémon theme song. This video promotes ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) while showing arrest footage alongside Pokémon imagery, with the tagline "Gotta Catch 'Em All." This unusual usage of Pokémon themes has sparked criticism and raises questions about copyright infringement, as calls for Nintendo's response mount. The video coincides with a rise in ICE's funding aimed at national security but has drawn heavy backlash for perceived excessive force.

nWhy has the US Department of Homeland Security used Pokémon in a promotional video?

The promotional video was intended to highlight the operations of ICE by linking it to a familiar cultural reference in an attempt to engage the audience, but the controversial comparison has resulted in widespread criticism and calls for Nintendo to take legal action.

Pokémon, originally created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori, has become a global franchise since its launch in the late '90s. The franchise includes video games, trading cards, animation, and merchandise, and is known for its family-friendly image. This video’s controversial use of Pokémon imagery represents an unsettling juxtaposition that has caught the attention of fans and critics alike, stirring concerns about the ethical implications of such affiliations.