A Whimsical Turn in Portland’s Protests
Lions and tigers and bears—oh my! But this isn’t the Land of Oz. It’s downtown Portland, Oregon, where protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have taken a surprisingly lighthearted turn.
What began as another tense round of demonstrations has, in recent weeks, transformed into something resembling a costumed parade, complete with inflatable frogs, sharks, unicorns, and even cartoon characters. The playful chaos is part of a growing movement known as Operation Inflation, which aims to use humor and whimsy to lower tensions at protests and reshape how the public views them.
The Birth of “Operation Inflation”
“We buy a bunch of costumes and we go down and deliver them,” said Brooks Brown, one of the activists behind Operation Inflation, in an interview with USA TODAY. “And it kind of took off the first day.”
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The idea stemmed from a viral moment earlier this year, when a protester known as the Portland Frog—dressed in a giant inflatable frog suit—was pepper-sprayed during a demonstration. The video of the incident spread rapidly online, sparking both outrage and amusement.
“We were watching how the rhetoric around all of it shifted,” Brown explained. “It wasn’t some ‘violent Antifa protester’ who gets maced—it was a frog. And that changed everything.”
The incident inspired Brown and others to use humor and absurdity as tools of protest. They began distributing costumes—free of charge—to anyone willing to join in. What started as a few frogs soon became a menagerie of inflatable creatures flooding Portland’s streets.
From T-Rexes to Peacocks
Today, Operation Inflation’s gatherings include a growing variety of inflatable characters: T-rexes, pandas, peacocks, unicorns, and even Gritty, the beloved mascot of the Philadelphia Flyers. Some demonstrators bring bubble machines or wear clown suits to amplify the spectacle.
The atmosphere at these events is festive and surreal. Videos show people dancing in costume, high-fiving strangers, and posing for selfies alongside protesters holding signs and chanting.
Brown says the movement’s humor has become a form of nonviolent resistance. “We’re using joy as a shield,” he said. “If they try to attack someone in a frog suit or a unicorn costume, it exposes how ridiculous the violence really is.”
Deflating Tension, Inflating Spirit
Operation Inflation’s approach has drawn both laughter and curiosity from onlookers—and has been credited with changing the tone of Portland’s protests.
While serious political and humanitarian issues remain at the heart of the demonstrations, activists say the costumes have helped diffuse hostility and remind participants that protest doesn’t have to mean confrontation.
“Humor is powerful,” said one demonstrator dressed as a panda at a recent march. “People see us dancing instead of fighting, and it makes them think twice about what these protests are really about.”
The “No Kings” Connection
Operation Inflation plans to take part in the upcoming “No Kings” protests on Saturday, October 18, joining thousands of demonstrators nationwide who are rallying to celebrate free speech and the right to assemble.
The “No Kings” movement, which has gained traction in dozens of U.S. cities, opposes what organizers describe as authoritarian behavior by the Trump administration. In Portland, it’s expected to draw large crowds—and a colorful cast of inflatable characters.
On Instagram, Operation Inflation teased its participation: “We’re looking forward to an exciting weekend full of inflatable fun! Can’t wait to see everyone inflated for No Kings!”
The group has kept its exact plans secret but hinted on TikTok that a “special surprise” will make an appearance during the event. “Our secret plan is planned,” the post read cryptically.
Laughter as a Form of Protest
As Portland braces for another weekend of political demonstrations, activists like Brown hope that humor can offer a new way forward.
“People are tired of fear and anger,” he said. “If we can make someone smile—even in the middle of a protest—that’s a win.”
For now, Portland’s streets may be filled with frogs, sharks, unicorns, and maybe even the occasional inflatable dinosaur. But beneath the laughter lies a serious message: that resistance can come not only through confrontation, but through creativity, joy, and a refusal to be deflated by the weight of conflict.
In Portland’s ongoing protests, Operation Inflation proves that sometimes the most powerful symbol of defiance isn’t a raised fist—it’s a dancing frog.
