The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →A U.S. Department of Homeland Security video posted on September 22, 2025, paired Pokémon-associated music and imagery with immigration-enforcement footage. The Pokémon Company International said it had not helped create or distribute the video and had not granted permission to use its intellectual property. The episode prompted criticism from fans and renewed debate about government use of popular Japanese works in political messaging.
What was in the DHS video?
DHS posted a montage of immigration enforcement activity using recognizable elements associated with Pokémon: its theme song and animation, franchise-style language, and mock trading-card graphics featuring detainees’ photographs and details. The post used the phrase “Gotta Catch ’Em All.” In a reply quoted by ABC News, DHS wrote: “To arrest them is our real test. To deport them is our cause.” The Los Angeles Times described the video’s imagery and its connection to ICE raids; TheWrap identified the post as dated September 22, 2025.
What did Pokémon’s rights holder say?
The Pokémon Company International told the Los Angeles Times: “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.”
That statement makes the company’s position clear: it did not authorize the use and was not involved in making or distributing the video. It is not, by itself, a court ruling or a complete legal analysis of every element used. The reporting cited here does not establish the legal status of each component, whether the post was later removed, or whether the company pursued legal action. The Los Angeles Times reported that it remained on DHS’s X account when that article appeared on September 25, 2025; that is a historical status, not confirmation that the post remains online.
#1 Best Overall
- (C) Pokémon. (C) Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.TM, (R), and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
- Based on the illustrations drawn by Hitoshi Kiki
- The lineup includes the Hikari and Naetol in the court
- The partner Pokémon Naetol has also been noticed as a three-dimensional expression of the shells and mouth
Why did fans object?
The Los Angeles Times reported that the video angered many Pokémon fans. Their objections focused on the contrast between a familiar entertainment franchise and footage promoting arrests and deportations, as well as the use of Pokémon-associated material without the rights holder’s permission. The reporting does not establish that all fans objected or measure how widespread the reaction was.
ABC News later placed the episode in a broader wave of criticism over U.S. government uses of anime and manga in political or military messaging. It reported that Japanese fan Nana Suzuki started a petition after the White House used Yu-Gi-Oh! imagery in a video showing military strikes. The petition opposed political or military uses that could conflict with creators’ or rights holders’ intentions. That is evidence of organized criticism, not a representative survey of Pokémon fans.
Rank #2
- Product Size (H x W x D): 8.5 x 5.3 x 4.1 inches (21.5 x 13.5 x 10.5 cm) (with pedestal) (H x W x D):
- (C) 2020 Pokemon. (C) 1995-2020 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game Freak Inc.
- Recommended Age: 15 years and up
- No assembly required
Why is the video called propaganda?
“Propaganda” is an interpretation of the video’s purpose and effect, not a legal finding established by the reporting. ABC News quoted Rodney Taveira, a senior lecturer in American studies at the United States Studies Centre, describing the messaging as an effort to make immigration enforcement seem “more than legitimate, as something sporting and fun.” He said posts such as the Pokémon video “function as propaganda quite classically.” That is Taveira’s analysis, rather than an official determination.
ABC also quoted a DHS spokesperson explaining the agency’s approach: “reach people where they are with content they can relate to and understand, whether that be Halo, Pokémon, Lord of the Rings, or any other medium”. The spokesperson’s explanation describes the intended appeal of using familiar entertainment references; critics objected to what those references were being used to promote.
Rank #3
- Versatile for Play and Decoration：Beyond being a classic action figure for imaginative play, its easy-to-assemble design. Use it as a room decoration, or a detailed model—this brings the world of anime to life in multiple ways.
- This Figure made of friendly material, as a action figure, it suitable for fans of anime action figure,has no unpleasant smell and rough edges, and all figures are carefully produced,
- Cleaning: This anime action figure is easy to clean, just wipe it when necessary, no need to worry about fading. You can also choose to put it in an acrylic box specially used for collecting figures.
- Ideal Gift for Anime Fans: This anime figure is popular among people which is suitable as a nice gift for Christmas and birthday. for anime lovers and collectors. It can also be used as a room decoration statue for bookshelves and desktops.
- This high-quality anime action figure crafted from durable, odor-free material, it's not only a must-have collectible for anime fans but also doubles as a unique and vibrant birthday to create an unforgettable party centerpiece.
What does the dispute establish—and what does it not?
- Established: DHS used Pokémon-associated imagery, music, and language in an enforcement-themed video; The Pokémon Company International said it was uninvolved and had not granted permission.
- Reported: Fans criticized the video, and some anime and manga fans have organized against government uses they view as contrary to creators’ or rights holders’ intentions.
- Not established by the cited reporting: a legal judgment about infringement, a determination about every separate video element, a representative measure of fan opinion, or a current account of the post’s availability.
ABC News also quoted Japan’s Minister for Intellectual Property Strategy, Kimi Onoda, saying: “Even in cases that do not constitute clear copyright infringement, it is crucial to ensure that copyrighted works are not used in a manner contrary to the rights holder’s intentions, which could damage the work’s image and cause harm to the rights holder.” Her comment captures the distinction at the center of the controversy: legal questions about copyright are separate from concerns about a work’s image and the wishes of its rights holder.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Authentic Licensed Pokemon - by Holly Box
- Random Blind Box - Comes with figure and cushion
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