Gerrard Kaonga
The Department of Homeland Security has been condemned after a video it posted using Pokémon to promote its work, with The Pokémon Company having since issued a statement.
The Department of Homeland Security faced condemnation on social media after sharing a video making light of the work it does across the US on September 22.
The DHS used the imagery and music from the iconic Pokémon anime opening, spliced together with footage from its raids. The clip also included the tagline ‘Gotta Catch ‘Em All’ in reference to efforts to remove people from the US.
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This phrase is synonymous with the Pokémon series as well as its many games, which focused on the main characters attempting to capture as many of the pocket monsters as possible.
However, the video has not gone down well at all.
Within the gaming community, it is a running joke that Nintendo and The Pokémon Company are very quick to take legal action, and have done so for decades on things like fan-made games or emulations.
With this in mind, over the last few days, people have been quick to encourage either company to take legal action against Donald Trump and his administration for the use of the music and animation to promote the ICE raid video.
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The Pokémon Company has now released a statement on the issue and made it clear it is aware of the video.
Speaking to HuffPost, the company said: “We are aware of a recent video posted by the Department of Homeland Security that includes imagery and language associated with our brand.
“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.”
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The spokesperson did not clarify whether the company was considering legal action, however.
Meanwhile, a DHS spokesperson told UNILAD: “To arrest them is our real test. To deport them is our cause.”
Former chief legal officer for the Pokémon Company, Don McGowan, said the company was unlikely to go forward with any litigation for a few reasons.
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Speaking to IGN, he said: “They are INSANELY publicity-shy and prefer to let the brand be the brand.
“Second, many of their execs in the USA are on green cards,” he said. “Even if I was still at the company I wouldn’t touch this, and I’m the most trigger-happy CLO I’ve ever met. This will blow over in a couple of days and they’ll be happy to let it.”