PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Portland protesters opposing the Trump administration made a bold and uniquely Portland statement on Sunday — by hopping on their bikes wearing little to no clothing for an impromptu “emergency” version of the annual World Naked Bike Ride.
Over the past week, crowds have gathered day and night outside the city’s immigration facility, turning demonstrations into colorful, almost theatrical displays. Protesters faced off with federal officers equipped with tear gas and pepper balls, while wearing inflatable frog, unicorn, axolotl, and banana costumes.
Normally held during the summer, the World Naked Bike Ride was called early this year as organizers felt compelled to make a statement against President Donald Trump’s push to deploy the National Guard to suppress local protests.
One participant, 51-year-old Janene King, described the event as a “quintessentially Portland way to protest.” Dressed only in wool socks, a wig, and a hat, she calmly sipped hot tea in the chilly, rainy weather — temperatures hovered around 12°C (mid-50s°F).
“We absolutely don’t want troops in our city,” King said firmly.
Cyclists pedaled through downtown streets toward the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, where authorities warned them to stay off the road and restrict demonstrations to sidewalks or risk arrest.
The city is still awaiting a decision from an appeals court on whether Trump can move forward with deploying federal troops, after a federal judge temporarily blocked the plan on October 5.
“Joy is a form of protest. Coming together with respect and kindness is a form of protest,” organizers wrote on Instagram. “You decide how much or how little to wear.”
Although the cool, wet weather kept many from going completely nude, a few fearless riders still stripped down entirely, sporting only helmets as they cycled through the rain.
Since 2004, Portland’s World Naked Bike Ride has been a beloved annual tradition, often halting traffic as thousands of riders roll through the city to the beat of music. In some years, the event has attracted close to 10,000 participants, according to organizers.
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