Light-hearted Protest: The Rise of Inflatable Costumes in Portland Demonstrations

Fri Oct 24 2025 22:57:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new trend emerges as protesters don inflatable costumes during demonstrations against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Portland, challenging negative narratives with humor and creativity.

In Portland, Oregon, protesters are taking a novel approach to activism by wearing inflatable costumes as a playful rebuttal to the serious atmosphere surrounding demonstrations against the Trump administration. Protester Seth Todd sparked a trend with his own inflatable frog costume, aiming to counter negative portrayals of Portland and showcase nonviolent protest. As the movement expands, groups like the Portland Frog Brigade and Operation Inflation distribute costumes, fostering camaraderie and highlighting a unique form of protest that emphasizes fun over fear.

A Playful Way to Protest

In a twist on traditional protest, demonstrators in Portland, Oregon, are sporting inflatable costumes to voice their dissent against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This movement gained momentum following a viral incident on October 2, when Seth Todd, clad in an inflatable frog suit, was targeted with chemical spray from a federal officer. Todd believes that such costumes help convey a nonviolent message, countering the often aggressive narrative surrounding protests.

The use of whimsical outfits, ranging from dinosaurs to unicorns, has become a light-hearted response that serves to challenge the seriousness often associated with protests against the Trump administration. It's helping to combat that specific narrative that we are violent and we are agitating, Todd remarked, noting the significance of humor in activism.

Absurdity in the Face of Adversity

Portland’s protest scene has adapted to the intense scrutiny from authorities and media, with inflatable costumes acting as a comedic retort to the portrayal of the city as a chaotic battleground. The costumes serve not only as a visual spectacle but also as a strategic choice to present a peaceful and humorous image amidst ongoing tensions, including clashes with federal officers who have used tear gas in counter-protests.

Beyond Portland: A Growing Trend

The inflatable costume trend is spreading beyond Portland as community members initiate groups like Operation Inflation to foster participation. This initiative is designed to help protesters engage in demonstrations while wearing costumes, underscoring a theme of joy and absurdity. The co-founders have been active in distributing various costumes at protests across the city.

A Community Unites

Participation has surged with individuals from different backgrounds uniting under the banner of creativity and humor in protest. From the quirky “pegacorn” seen at the Chicago No Kings march to inflatable characters adorning protests in Austin, Texas, it is evident that this phenomenon resonates widely. Participants aim to reinforce their stance against federal actions while promoting a sense of community through shared laughter and mutual support.

It's a unique strategy that challenges the idea that protests must be serious or confrontational, showcasing that activism can foster joy while making a powerful statement against injustice.