White House Draws Criticism for Comparing Migrants to Pokémon
WASHINGTON - The White House is facing scrutiny after reportedly using language that likened migrants to Pokémon, including the term “alien criminal,” mirroring rhetoric previously employed by former President Donald Trump. The comparison, first noted by BFMTV, has sparked outrage from immigration advocates and raised questions about the current management’s approach to border security and immigration policy.
The use of this terminology echoes a period of heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, where arrests surged following his inauguration in January 2017. Within six months of taking office,U.S. immigration police apprehended approximately 100,000 individuals, leading to a 40% increase in detention numbers-reaching 56,000 detainees-by June 2017, according to Human Rights Watch. Notably, over 70% of those arrested had no prior criminal record. This latest incident brings renewed attention to the potential for dehumanizing language to influence immigration policy and public perception.
The Pokémon Company has not yet issued a statement regarding the White House’s reported use of the comparison. The incident occurred as debate continues over immigration reform and border security measures, with advocates warning against the use of stigmatizing language that could further marginalize vulnerable populations. Sébastien Salpietro of 6medias first reported the story on September 23, 2024, at 4:55 p.m. Eastern Time.
