This Tuesday, September 23, 2025, a video from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) was made public that generates controversy: it uses music, visual style and format inspired by Pokémon to promote immigration raids led by ICE.
The video features the following: Actual footage of raids with ICE, National Guard and Border Patrol agents, sound that mimics the Pokémon theme tune, and visual scenes with card-like artwork from the game and modified Pokémon-style cards: they show the faces of people arrested, with tags describing crimes allegedly committed. The video uses phrases such as “Gotta Catch ‘Em All”.
What is known for sure?
Gotta catch 'em all
DHS
1. Exploitation of Pokémon style: DHS has been accused of using music, aesthetics and visual references from the Pokémon universe without publicly confirming that they are licensed for such use.
Critical reactions: Journalists, human rights activists and immigrant communities have condemned the video for trivializing the detention of people and for the possible risk of misuse of intellectual property.
3. Legal issues at the door: It has not yet been confirmed whether Nintendo or the Pokémon Company have issued a formal complaint, nor whether the use of such aesthetics could violate copyrights, although there are already public questions about it.
Real implications
May increase fear in immigrant communities, especially when viewing official propaganda that mixes entertainment, law enforcement and intimidation operations.
Potential litigation if it is proven that the video used protected intellectual property without permission, generating international legal, political and diplomatic repercussions.
Ethical debate: separate the use of force or detention of immigrants from marketing content with an almost playful and trivializing tone.
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