In brief
During protests outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland, citizens are donning inflatable costumes, such as frogs, to counter President Trump’s negative portrayal of the city. The protests, which have evolved into a light-hearted movement, aim to showcase nonviolence and quirkiness while addressing serious immigration issues. Groups like Operation Inflation are helping to provide these costumes, symbolizing a fun and fearless approach to activism in the current political climate.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Protester Seth Todd took to the streets outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Building in Portland, Oregon, donning an inflatable frog costume. His lighthearted attire stood in stark contrast to the serious political climate, particularly after a federal officer unleashed a chemical spray directly into the costume’s air vent on October 2.
As videos of the incident circulated, these playful costumes have become synonymous with protests against the Trump administration. Todd expressed feeling honored to have inspired a movement like this, emphasizing that such displays of humor help combat the narrative of violence associated with protests.
Protesters in Portland have utilized costumes as a playful retort to Trump’s descriptors of the city, specifically his claims of it being “war ravaged” or “like living in hell.” The ongoing demonstrations — particularly against immigration policies — have surged in frequency and creativity since their inception, with inflatable costumes visible at events across the country.
Such expressions resonate with Portland’s quirky culture. Notably, the city’s unofficial motto is to “Keep Portland Weird,” and according to Marc Rodriguez, a professor at Portland State University, the costumes align with the city's longstanding spirit of protest.
Groups like the Portland Frog Brigade have begun distributing these inflatable costumes to encourage participation. In Austin, Texas, college students have also joined this whimsical form of protest, sporting inflatable eagle costumes and mingling with unicorns and frogs during rallies like the recent No Kings march in Chicago.
These lighthearted costumes challenge the image of protests being aggressive or hostile, allowing demonstrators to express dissent without resorting to violence. As political tensions mount, creative expressions and playful protests like these may serve as a novel method to address serious issues facing the nation.
In recent weeks, initiatives like Operation Inflation have been launched in Portland, distributing inflatable costumes freely to activists. This blend of fun and political statement has brought joy amidst activism, reminding protesters that standing up against policies doesn’t have to be a grim affair. As Todd noted, “We’re going to keep having fun and keep Portland weird and safe.”
