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Outside Portland’s ICE building, protesters in inflatable costumes — from unicorns to frogs — turned ongoing demonstrations into a surreal show of defiance and de-escalation, even as federal agents watched from rooftops. Organizers say the playful gear counters the Trump administration’s “war zone” narrative and offers some protection from gas. The Justice Department, citing vandalism and street fires, pressed its case to send National Guard troops as Oregon officials pushed back in court. With crime largely steady, the costumed movement has drawn global attention and local solidarity.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.