Inflatable Costumes Bring Humor to Protests Against ICE in Portland

Mon Dec 01 2025 01:00:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a light-hearted twist to serious protests, demonstrators outside the U.S. ICE building in Portland are using inflatable costumes, including frogs and unicorns, to counter claims of violence against their gatherings.

Seth Todd, donning a frog costume, was sprayed with chemicals by a federal officer while protesting in Portland against ICE policies. Following this, inflatable costumes have become a symbol of peaceful protest, with initiatives like 'Operation Inflation' distributing costumes to encourage more participants. The costumes aim to present a non-violent image and counteract negative narratives surrounding protests. As the trend spreads to other cities, protesters express their aim to maintain a light-hearted spirit in their demonstrations.

Inflatable Costumes Bring Humor to Protests Against ICE in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. — While protesting outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Building, Seth Todd was humorously clad in an inflatable frog costume when a federal officer sprayed him with chemical agents. This incident, captured on video, has heightened the visibility of inflatable costumes at protests nationwide, sparking a wave of light-hearted demonstrations against the Trump administration’s policies.

The costumes, ranging from hippos in tutus to dinosaurs, reflect a broader trend of protesters using humor to combat aggressive governmental narratives. Todd remarked on how these costumes serve to showcase a non-violent approach, stating, It’s helping to combat that specific narrative that we are violent and we are agitating.

Using Humor to Counter Claims of Violence

Protests against ICE, particularly in Portland, have seen escalating tensions, with participants frequently confronting federal law enforcement. Despite the serious undertones of their grievances, activists have resorted to playful attire, creating a stark contrast to the typical images of conflict. Mark Rodriguez, a history professor, noted that the quirky nature of Portland’s protest culture encourages creativity and engagement.

In recent weeks, grassroots organizations like Operation Inflation have emerged, distributing inflatable costumes for free to participants, aiming to encourage friendly engagement. Volunteers wore various costumes, providing a captivating visual for onlookers and media alike.

Inflatable Costumes Take Flight Beyond Portland

The movement has caught on beyond Portland, with demonstrators in Austin and Chicago embracing the inflatable trend. Participants are encouraged to spread the joy and attract more attendees to the cause, alleviating the tension often present in such demonstrations. Kristen Vandawalker from Chicago shared her experience of donning an inflatable “pegacorn,” emphasizing the creativity in their protests: It’s hard to look threatening when there’s a fan blowing you up.

Conclusion: A Lighthearted Approach to Serious Issues

As these costumes become a symbol of lighter protest tactics, many participants feel that they continue to convey their serious messages without the threat of violence. The costumes have transformed demonstrations into vibrant community events, offering a unique twist to traditional activist movements. Briana Nathanielsz, a protester in a Frankenstein costume, expressed this sentiment perfectly: It feels really light-hearted, and it feels that we’re showing these guys that we are not scared of them. We’re going to keep having fun and keep Portland weird and safe.