PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Activists in Portland have adopted the use of inflatable costumes, such as frogs, hippos, and unicorns, as a humorous and creative method of protesting against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Following an incident on October 2 where an officer unleashed chemical spray into an inflatable frog costume worn by protester Seth Todd, the movement has gained traction, showcasing how absurdity can counteract serious accusations of violence directed at protesters.
Todd, 24, expressed pride in highlighting the often misunderstood nature of protestors, stating, “It’s helping to combat that specific narrative that we are violent and we are agitating.” His costume experience reflects a broader cultural shift in protest methods, particularly against President Trump’s administration, which has labeled Portland as a violent site.
The inflatable costumes have become symbolic of Portland's unique protest culture, which embraces the unofficial motto of 'Keep Portland Weird.' Historian Marc Rodriguez emphasizes that such expressions not only bring levity to serious issues but also project a nonviolent image to the public and media.
Other cities have begun to see the trend take hold, with groups like Operation Inflation distributing costumes for free to participants. Activist Briana Nathanielsz described how the inflatable outfits help convey a message of joy and resistance, reinforcing their commitment to safety while engaging in political discourse.
Response to the antics of inflatable protestors by federal authorities has been largely incredulous, demonstrating a challenge to conventional protest narratives. As this trend spreads across the nation, it signals a new era of expression in resistance movements, highlighting the importance of creativity in social justice activism.
