Halloween display featuring ICE skeletons at Mobile sheriff's home draws criticism

A Halloween display in the front yard of Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch's residence has drawn criticism after a photograph showing skeletons dressed as immigration agents chasing figures in stereotypical Hispanic attire circulated on social media Tuesday. Neighbors and community members described the scene as offensive and inappropriate for the home of an elected law enforcement official, while the sheriff's wife said she created the display as a topical, tongue in cheek decoration.

The display depicts two skeletons wearing sombreros and ponchos climbing a fence while three skeletons in T shirts labeled ICE appear to pursue them. ICE is an acronym for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. A neighbor who posted the photo to Facebook said the display crossed a line, writing, "It is hard to put into words how disappointing it is to see our elected sheriff use his own front yard to mock and dehumanize a group of people." The post prompted a mix of responses online, with some calling the display demeaning and others defending the family's right to decorate their property.

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office declined to comment and referred inquiries to Michelle Burch, who said...