In the early hours of the morning, a crowd of costumed demonstrators gathered outside a federal facility in Portland, Oregon, as ICE agents carried out one of their largest raids in recent memory. What distinguished this protest from typical scenes of confrontation was the sight of people dressed as frogs and other inflatable animals — an intentional display of absurdity meant to soften tension and spotlight the seriousness of immigration enforcement.
Costumes as Protest Tools
Protest groups embraced a playful yet pointed strategy: wearing inflatable frog suits and other animal outfits in front of riot-equipped federal agents. While the imagery may seem whimsical, the tactic — known among organisers as “tactical frivolity” — is deeply intentional. It serves as a way to inject accessibility into activism, attract media attention, and undermine the aggressive optics of heavily armed law-enforcement at scenes of peaceful resistance.
ICE’s Operations and the “No Kings” Movement
The raid in Portland took place during the broader “No Kings” protests that swept across cities in recent days, aimed at challenging federal immigration enforcement and National Guard deployments. Agents from ICE arrived en masse, spurred by recent directives from the federal administration, and were met not just by chants and signs but by oversized frogs, ducks and umbrellas with slogans such as “Duck ICE.” The protest underscored growing public scrutiny of aggressive immigration tactics and the militarisation of domestic apprehension operations.
The Power of Play in Serious Movements
Experts in political performance note that using humour and theatricality in protests can be highly effective. Rather than diminishing the gravity of the issues — deportation, family separation, civic rights — the frog costumes provoked discussion and media amplification. Protesters argue that when fun and visibility meet in resistance movements, they invite wider participation, make the scene less intimidating and foster a more inclusive energy that complements traditional solemn activism.
