Protesters Don Inflatable Costumes to Spread Joy Amid Tensions

Sat Oct 25 2025 01:36:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In a unique twist on protest culture, activists in Portland don inflatable costumes to challenge perceptions and bring humor to the demonstrations against federal policies.

Seth Todd, clad in a frog costume, became the face of a lighthearted protest movement when federal officers sprayed chemical irritants toward him during a demonstration outside the ICE facility in Portland, Oregon. The growing trend of inflatable costumes aims to combat narratives of violence and chaos, showcasing a humorous side to protests. The Portland Frog Brigade and Operation Inflation are encouraging others to join this unconventional method of peaceful activism by distributing free costumes, aiming to keep spirits high while advocating for change.

Joyful Protest: Inflatable Costumes in Action

In Portland, Oregon, a new wave of protest has taken a playful yet impactful turn as activists don inflatable costumes to promote non-violence and joy in the face of adversity. This trend gained momentum after an incident involving Seth Todd, who was confronted with chemical spray while dressed in a frog costume during a rally against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The costumes — including hippos, dinosaurs, and more — serve as a whimsical counter to claims from the Trump administration that cities like Portland are ‘burning down.’ Advocates argue this lighthearted approach demonstrates that protesters are peaceful and creative, pushing back against negative portrayals of their actions.

Operation Inflation Takes Off

Activist groups like the Portland Frog Brigade and Operation Inflation have been instrumental in getting more people involved by handing out costumes for free. These groups aim to uplift spirits and show that protest can be fun. As Todd remarked, these costumes are helping to dispel narratives of anger and chaos often associated with protests.

Other cities are catching on too! At recent rallies in Chicago and Austin, participants dressed in costumes like ‘pegacorns’ and inflatable bald eagles, turning protest into a spectacle of joy and laughter. Protestors suggest that the visual incongruity of inflatable costumes makes it challenging for authorities — and media — to label them as a threat.

As more activists join in, it seems the inflatable spirit of protest is taking off, with hopes of expanding this joyful movement across the country. Together, they’re redefining what it means to demand change, ensuring that in the midst of resistance, laughter and creativity find their place as well.