DHS Unveils Viral Pokémon-Themed Video on Immigrant Arrests

A recent video from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that incorporates a Pokémon theme to underscore immigrant arrests has taken the internet by storm. As of noon Tuesday, the clip had garnered over 37 million views on X.

In the video, dreams unfold with the catchy theme song from the popular show playing in the background while federal law enforcement officials detain individuals on U.S. soil. There’s a voice singing, “I’ll cross the land and search far away,” as an individual is shown being handcuffed. You can find the video on the DHS’s official account.

Interestingly, neither the Pokémon Company nor Nintendo responded promptly to queries from the media regarding the video.

California’s Immigrant Arrests Featured

In a noticeable highlight, the video showcases a number of recent arrests, with the agency labeling the captured individuals similarly to Pokémon cards. The message accompanying the clip states, “We have to catch everything.”

This creative approach from the DHS is juxtaposed with more serious themes—drawing attention to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s work, presenting the detained individuals in a way that has sparked discussions across social media.

Among those featured are Nelly Garcia Linares, a 32-year-old from Guatemala arrested for being a sexual predator, and Mose Lopez Zapeda, a 44-year-old Mexican labeled as a “criminal” taken into custody. Notably, Lopez Zapeda has a past conviction for manslaughter in Texas.

Both of their mock-up arrest cards sport a snowflake symbol, representing “ICE”—perhaps an odd twist given the context. This creative blend of pop culture and serious enforcement issues invites a mixed bag of reactions from the public, with some celebrating the humor while others raise eyebrows at the tone.