WASHINGTON — As demonstrators gather for the “No Kings” protests this Saturday, many participants are opting for inflatable costumes. But how did this unique trend originate and what is its purpose?

Proponents of the idea believe that these costumes help reduce tension and capture attention without inciting violence. The strategy first emerged in Portland, Oregon, during protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and has since become a nationwide phenomenon.

Organizers of national protests have encouraged participants to bring humorous signs and don whimsical costumes, aiming to maintain a light-hearted atmosphere at these events.

“They expect us to be violent,” explained protester Claudia Schultz, who was dressed in an inflatable pig costume, to the Miami Herald. “Nothing could be less violent than this.”

This form of protest, while not entirely new, gained traction in recent weeks as photos of protesters in frog, chicken and unicorn costumes went viral online. 

A video of an ICE agent pepper spraying a Portland protester’s inflatable frog costume air vent sparked outrage and prompted people to put on their suits and join in. 

“Operation Inflation” is the most recent organized form of protest against ICE and President Donald Trump’s administration. The goal is to “deflate the tension and inflate the good vibes,” according to the initiative website. 

While they are currently only operating for Portland, Oregon, protests, people are wearing inflatable costumes across the country Saturday.

Amazon listings for inflatable frog costumes have skyrocketed in recent weeks with one listing stating more than 800 have been bought in past month. 

“The greatest act of resistance in the face of darkness is radical joy,” Operation Inflation wrote in a social media post. 

The 50501 Movement orchestrated the “No Kings” theme, creating a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

“America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people,” the group’s website says.

The theme likens Trump to the British monarchs the founders rebelled against to found the United States.

More than 2,600 rallies were planned for Saturday, organizers told the Associated Press.

The last “No Kings” protest took place on June 14 in thousands of cities and towns across the country, in large part to protest a military parade in Washington marking the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with Trump’s birthday. “No Kings” organizers at the time called the parade a “coronation” symbolic of what they characterized as Trump’s growing authoritarian overreach.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.