US EditionDHS deportations video featuring comedian Theo Von is taken down after he complained
Pokémon Company International and comedian Theo Von condemn DHS for unauthorized use of their content in a deportation video boasting over 2 million removals in 250 days.
- On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security posted a Pokémon-themed montage of immigration raids set to the franchise's theme, captioned `Gotta Catch 'Em All` with CBP replying using a dancing Pikachu gif.
- Using pop-culture references, the Department of Homeland Security has frequently used Pokémon-themed posts to publicize arrests, mirroring anime openings and ending with mock Pokémon trading-card game-style cards for arrestees.
- Comedian Theo Von said his line `Heard you got deported, dude` was used without approval, and after he demanded payment or takedown, DHS removed the video shortly.
- A spokesperson for The Pokémon Company International said it was aware of the DHS video and that permission was not granted, while fans urged legal action as Nintendo declined to comment.
- The clip claims two million removals in 250 days, including 1,600,000 self-deportations and 400,000 deportations, which DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin defended, saying `The numbers don’t lie`.
126 Articles
126 Articles
The DHS wanted to bring back the narrative of deportations with Pokémon and a video of Theo Von. The result: immediate backlash. Von demanded that he be removed and The Pokémon Company denied giving permission. But beyond that, the play reveals something deeper: how Trump’s government mixes pop culture and internet culture to soften (or normalize) harsh policies like ICE’s raids. A seemingly harmless wink that ends up opening up a debate on prop…
Hey, Nintendo: You Cool With ICE Using Your Pokémon IP To Recruit More Goons?
If we were to play a Techdirt word association game where you say the first thing that comes to your mind when I say “Nintendo,” the answer had better be “intellectual property bully” for most regular readers here. If not, well, I specifically haven’t done my job very well. Nintendo is incredibly protective and litigious when it comes to all of its IP, with that surrounding the Pokémon franchise being no exception. No potential infringement over…
Mexico City.- The U.S. Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICE) released a video a few days ago about its intense raids, which went viral for the less thought-out reasons: the background use of the musical theme of the Pokémon anime. The clip, in addition to being published in the X account of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was uploaded to the official profile of TikTok of the White House, with the slogan "You have to catch them…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released in its X account a video that sparked strong controversy and outrage among social network users.The recording, presented as a parody, used the slogan “Get 'em all” from the popular Japanese Pokemon series to relate it to the raids carried out by the Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICE).The video shows different captures accompanied by the song Pokémon Theme, from the saga created b…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
