Community has mixed emotions over ICE Halloween decorations at sheriff’s home

UPDATE (10:00 p.m.): News 5 spoke with a local Hispanic advocate who says the Halloween display outside Sheriff Paul Burch’s home goes too far.

Grace Resendez McCaffery, owner of Latino Media Gulf Coast in Pensacola, drove to Mobile to see the decorations herself.

“It’s extremely disappointing and sad,” McCaffery said.

She said the display, which shows skeletons dressed as ICE agents chasing others wearing sombreros, sends a harmful message.

“It’s questionable whether these are messages that indicate or perpetuate fear, which of course leads to racism,” McCaffery said. “Whether it’s done by another immigrant or Hispanic person, it’s still harmful.”

The Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast also shared a statement addressing the controversy:

“The Latin community in Mobile, Alabama, is a vibrant community that contributes to the overall success of the city and the region. The focus of the Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast remains on the mission of our organization and the meaningful impact we continue to make in our city.

For years, we have celebrated the vibrant culture, contributions, and resilience of the Latin community, strengthening Mobile through cultural events, educational initiatives, economic development, and civic engagement.

Our unwavering commitment is to build bridges, promote understanding, and create opportunities that uplift all residents. We stand united, moving forward with purpose and dedication to making Mobile a more inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming city for everyone.

Sincerely,

Silvia Lessa Skultety

President, Hispanic American Business Association of the Gulf Coast (HABAGC)”

Burch said she plans to change the display soon, adding that “we have no shortage of topics to cover.”

Many viewers responded to our WKRG News 5 Facebook post about the Halloween display with hundreds of comments sharing their reactions. Some people viewed it as offensive, and others felt the decorations were harmless. 

PREVIOUS REPORTING:

MOBILE COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) — Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch’s wife has issued a statement after Halloween decorations resembling an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation were seen outside the couple’s home.

Photos of the decorations show three skeletons wearing ICE shirts appearing to chase two skeletons wearing sombreros.

The photos appeared in some social media posts that have since gone viral, with critics questioning the decor choice.

This afternoon, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office shared a statement from the person who’s actually behind the display: Burch’s wife.

“Every year, I make tongue-in-cheek Halloween decorations with a topical theme at my home,” Michelle Burch said. “I like decorating for Halloween and other holidays and rotate these decorations periodically. My husband has nothing to do with these, other than mowing the grass around them.”

“I made this one, playing both on my Cuban background and new, needed changes in federal immigration enforcement,” her statement said. “My parents were legal immigrants, and I have plenty of immigrants throughout my family.

“I’ll make a new one shortly — we have no shortage of topics to cover.”