Halloween Display At Alabama Sheriff’s House Sparks Controversy

Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch’s Halloween decorations have sparked controversy after a neighbor shared photos on Facebook. The display featured three skeletons dressed as ICE agents pursuing two skeletons wearing sombreros and ponchos while climbing a fence. Neighbor Whitney Newman criticized the scene, writing “I don’t think it’s cute or funny. And coming from a law enforcement official makes it exponentially worse. This crosses a line from tasteless joke into a public statement about who deserves dignity.” The sheriff’s office declined comment but released a statement from Burch’s wife Michelle, who took responsibility. “Every year, I make tongue-in-cheek Halloween decorations with a topical theme at my home,” she said, adding her husband “has nothing to do with these, other than mowing the grass around them.” She cited her Cuban background and said “My parents were legal immigrants.” (Story URL)