Mobile, Alabama — Michelle Burch, wife of the Mobile County
Sheriff, publicly responded to criticism of the Halloween decorations at her
home, which satirically allude to the federal agency ICE (Immigration and
Customs Enforcement). The images, shared on social media, sparked controversy
for what some described as a trivialization of immigration policies in the
United States.
In a statement posted on her personal account, Burch
explained that the decorations were conceived with an ironic tone and as a
means of social commentary, and clarified that her husband, the county sheriff,
had no involvement in their creation.
“Every year I make tongue-in-cheek Halloween decorations
with a current topic at my house. My husband has nothing to do with them,
except mow the lawn around them. I made this one, taking advantage of both my
Cuban heritage and the new and necessary changes in federal immigration
enforcement. My parents were legal immigrants, and I have many immigrants in my
family. I'll be making another one soon; we have so many issues to cover,”
Burch stated.
The statements seek to end the controversy that arose after
several users accused the sheriff's family of insensitivity toward the
immigrant community. However, other neighbors defended Burch, noting that her
decorations often have a humorous and critical tone and are part of a local
tradition in the neighborhood during the Halloween season.
The sheriff's office has not issued any additional comments
on the matter.