In the last few months, civil unrest has sparked collective action, leading to demonstrations in major cities across America. The public has a voice, and they are ready to make it heard about the current state of affairs in the United States, specifically regarding ICE agents. The protests began when the current administration enacted a crackdown on immigration, triggering raids and roundups in local communities as well as mass deportations. The civil unrest and demonstrations have increased since the killing of Mrs. Renee Good on January 7, 2025, in Minneapolis, and have since intensified after Mr. Alex Pretti was killed in an incident involving ICE agents. Both incidents occurred while two American citizens were exercising their First Amendment Right to peacefully protest.  

Many residents express concerns about exercising their rights due to recent federal enforcement actions. How can we keep the peace while exercising our rights? A video posted on TikTok by the user @LedgerMedia shows nonviolent protesters wearing inflatable costumes and dancing to upbeat music in Portland, Oregon, a city that some national political figures have described as a war zone. On September 27, 2025, President Trump posted on Truth Social, referring to Portland as “war-ravaged” and labeling protesters as “terrorists.” A video viewed by so many should have earned some notoriety, but Lilly Herterich, a student on MSJC’s campus, was unaware of the costumed organizers.

Nicole Wall, another student at MSJC, knew about the demonstrations being held across our nation but was unaware of the demonstrations involving costumes. “It would depend on the protest,” Wall said when asked if she felt wearing a costume at a protest was appropriate. “I think at the right protest, costumes can keep things from becoming violent.” Her comment reflects a broad view among some protesters that costumes can help keep protests peaceful while making an impactful statement.  

Washington Post reporters Marianne LeVine and Daniel Wu reported that the costume choices are specific and are designed to send a message, and the silly demonstrations are specifically designed to show that the reported “war zone” of Portland is an easygoing, peaceful protest. The people in costumes who hoped to keep the peace were still confronted and even pepper-sprayed while protesting, but were not fatally wounded. Costumed protests provide a visual way for demonstrators to express opposition to the administration’s policies. The images from these protests share the same visual symbolism as the iconic image taken by Marc Riboud during the anti-war protests on Oct. 21, 1967, in Washington, DC, of a woman holding a daisy in front of a line of National Guard men armed with rifles.  

What does a peaceful protest look like, and how can people exercise their First Amendment Rights without fear of retribution? For some people, inflatable costumes have become a way to make a statement while signaling nonviolence. Remaining safe and vigilant is a top priority for those who wish to gather in peaceful protests. Whether through signs or costumes, protesters continue to find new ways to make their voices heard and seen.