In response to the Department of Homeland Security’s video using Ash Ketchum to promote ICE, The Pokemon Company’s ex-legal chief said he “wouldn’t touch” it, suggesting some possible reasons why the company might not pursue legal action.
This week, Homeland Security posted a video to X of an arrest compilation. In between footage of ICE agents handcuffing people at their homes and in their cars are clips from the OG Pokemon TV series, with the famed “Gotta catch ’em all” theme playing in the background. When Ash Ketchum looks up at the sky, the text “The Department of Homeland Security” populates the screen in Pokemon’s iconic yellow-and-blue font. As a Poke Ball closes, the camera zooms in on wrists in cuffs. And at the very end of the video, those arrested appear as Pokemon cards with their “crime” described under their picture.
Fans were understandably upset about this, with many in the comments begging for The Pokemon Company to sue the DHS. However, the company’s former legal chief, Don McGowan, explained to IGN why The Pokemon Company likely won’t do anything about the video.
“I don’t see them doing anything about this for a few reasons,” McGowan started. “First, think of how little you see [The Pokémon Company International]’s name in the press. 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. Even if I was still at the company I wouldn’t touch this, and I’m the most trigger-happy CLO [Chief Legal Officer] I’ve ever met. This will blow over in a couple of days and they’ll be happy to let it.”
It’s unclear what The Pokemon Company proper will do or say in response to the DHS’s co-opting of Pokemon and Ash Ketchum. The video is still up and has been reposted by the government body’s official account, so it appears as though DHS is happy to continue using Ash and the “Gotta catch ’em all” theme as ICE promotional material.
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