In November of 2025, the ACLU of Oregon filed a Class Action Complaint against Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on behalf of our clients, whose First Amendment rights were violated outside the Portland ICE Building on the corner of South Bancroft Street and South Macadam Avenue.
Jack Dickinson (AKA “the Portland Chicken”), one of our clients in this complaint, has become an iconic figure after months of consistent presence at the peaceful protests that occur daily outside the ICE building, particularly for his eye-catching chicken suit attire. Four or five days a week Jack dons one of four (yes, there are four) yellow fleece chicken suits and a United States flag as a cape, and joins the peaceful community of demonstrators on Bancroft in front of the facility to stand against the inhumane and illegal ICE activity in our beloved city and around the country.
During his time demonstrating, Jack has been repeatedly harmed by federal agents — including being shot at, shoved, and bombarded with chemical munitions — when he clearly posed no threat.
The ACLU of Oregon Communications and Storytelling team sat down with Jack to ask him some questions and get a glimpse behind the suits.
About the Chicken Suit
- There are four in total, some with clear damage from federal agent escalation.
- Surprisingly, the suits are machine washable, tumble dry on low!
- Like sand or glitter, Jack now finds little pieces of yellow lint everywhere. He lint rolls the suits, himself, and his belongings often.
- The chicken persona was inspired by “TACO Trump”, the idea that “Trump Always Chickens Out” — referring to Donald Trump's tendency to flip flop on his decisions.
