(NewsNation) — Some protesters demonstrating outside Immigration and Customs Enforcement buildings in Portland, Oregon, and suburban Chicago say they’re trying to deescalate tension through the visually striking use of inflatable costumes.

In recent days, observers in Portland have been treated to the bizarre sight of federal authorities in riot gear squaring off against Pikachu, SpongeBob SquarePants, bipedal frogs, extraterrestrials and other whimsical characters. Some images have gone viral.

“Operation Inflation” organizer Brooks Brown says the idea is to use humor to show that Portland hasn’t devolved into chaos and violence, as critics claim.

“It deflates. It switches the situation, and it changes the conversation to be what it should be, which is: What are people here protesting a

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