Operation inflation: Odd Protest Tactics Fascinating Portland.

 In Portland, Oregon, possibly the oddest protest tactic is currently causing a stir in the local community. 

Dedicated day in and day out at the downtown U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, organizers Jordy and Lacy, give free inflatable costumes to anyone protesting. 

 “We bring costumes to the community regularly, so show up in person and grab a costume,” says the official website of operation inflation. “No reservations, no requests. We simply are supporting a community, so if you’re out in that community, you may see us there!” 

January 17 2026
6:50 pm
Portland, Oregon US immigration and customs enforcement. 

A very new tactic hitting the scene raising many questions from the community, is this effective, how does this benefits us, is it harming the movement? 

“Operation Inflation started in October 2025 when a few friends in Portland realized that the guy in the inflatable frog suit was onto something important.” a message from their history on their website.  

Referencing the “Portland Frog” Seth Todd, winning “Portlander of the year” by Willmate Week after he was pepper sprayed directly into his air vent outside of the Portland ICE facility by federal agents. Local protesters caught this on video and Seth Todd has been a symbol of the movement ever since. Stating in the Willmate Week “ I've had spicer tamales”. 

November 6th 2025 
7:28 pm 
Portland, Oregon 
US immigration and customs enforcement. 

“ I see it as a propaganda disruption campaign

Just because they're so cute. But the the thing is, that, For us? The question of violence or non-violence is a dichotomy that has been created by the fascist propaganda for the purpose of fascist propaganda that puts the onus on protesters and the people for their response to oppression.” They said in an interview when asked if they identify with pacifism. 

They say on their official Instagram page (@operationinflation)they stated “do not denounce violence” but that they are “disruptors of propaganda” the movement is not to denounce violent or serious protesters and are not complete pacifists. But rather being a disruptive force to confuse the very media that paints them as violent. 

“it doesn't matter because it's so absurd, no matter what direction you take it, that it cuts off the narrativizing that the fascist need, you know?”

They don't just offer inflatable suits either. People donate and contribute to the protest such as water, masks, food, hot hands and more. Sometimes they and others bring or donate art supplies. I spoke with many people who showed me that they bring medical supplies and offer aid to protesters and even the opposing sides from time to time if they allow them too. 

Citations 

https://www.operationinflation.com/

https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/12/24/portlander-of-the-year-the-frog/

https://recorder.google.com/3c971909-a4ff-4c40-b87a-4a786d9b

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Citations 

https://www.operationinflation.com/

https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/12/24/portlander-of-the-year-the-frog/

https://recorder.google.com/3c971909-a4ff

-4c40-b87a-4a786d9b6b7a