Owatonna native dresses as Pickle Rick to protest ICE

Key Takeaways:

• Owatonna native Rick Johnson is staging a protest against ICE.
• He dons a giant pickle costume, referred to as “Pickle Rick.”
• The demonstration takes place near the Whipple Building.
• Though unconventional, the costume serves a serious purpose.
• The story was first reported by Southernminn on January 21, 2026.

An Unconventional Demonstration

If you find yourself near the Whipple Building and see what looks like a giant pickle strolling down the sidewalk, there’s no need to be alarmed. That giant pickle is Rick Johnson, an Owatonna native on a mission to raise awareness about ICE. In a creative twist, Johnson has taken to the streets dressed as “Pickle Rick,” a large, cartoonish pickle suit that immediately catches people’s attention.

The Setting

The Whipple Building serves as a frequent focal point for demonstrations related to immigration. Located not far from Johnson’s hometown, it provides a public space where passersby can witness his unusual protest. By choosing a high-traffic area, Johnson hopes to maximize visibility for his cause.

Why a Pickle Costume?

Johnson’s choice of costume may seem whimsical, but he selected it deliberately to stand out in a crowded landscape of protests. In an environment where many demonstrations can be overlooked, a giant pickle—nicknamed “Pickle Rick”—injects an element of surprise and prompts onlookers to stop, stare, and learn more about his message.

A Serious Message

Despite its humorous façade, the protest targets the weighty topic of immigration enforcement. Johnson’s goal is to spark conversation about ICE’s policies and actions, encouraging people to look past the playful exterior and consider the underlying concerns. By pairing levity with advocacy, he balances attention-grabbing theatrics with a deeper purpose.

Spotting Pickle Rick

For anyone who happens to see “Pickle Rick” shuffling along the sidewalk, Johnson hopes they will pause to reflect on the seriousness of the message behind the costume. Though the method is unconventional, his call for engagement on immigration matters remains a critical issue for many communities.

By taking a lighthearted approach to a contentious lawsuit of national significance, Rick Johnson’s distinctive protest illustrates the power of creativity in activism. Whether his message prompts discourse or simply draws a smile, his presence at the Whipple Building is a testament to the wide range of methods people use to make their voices heard.