Neighborhood Halloween Display Crosses The Line For Some Residents

A Houston Halloween display is drawing backlash.

A Texas Halloween Display Portrays the Lynching of Ice Agents

According to the KPRC, the yard display in Houston includes two mask wearing white mannequins wearing red ballcaps, black shirts, tan pants and pockets full of zip ties. Pictures of the display online this past weekend drew immediate backlash as the display appeared just days after a deadly shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas.

The Texas Halloween Display Also Included Coffins

The display in the Hispanic, Second Ward neighborhood in Harris County also contained two coffins on each side of what appeared to be lynched ICE agents. A hangman mannequin stood next to the coffins while wearing a straw hat and colorful poncho. A fourth mannequin was on the ground with its hands tied. The display is surrounded by barbed wire fencing. A Mexican flag is attached to the homemade gallows. Mark Rodriguez is the homeowner who created the display. According to KPRC, Rodriguez said the display is his political statement.

How Far Does the First Amendment Go with Depictions of Violence?

Halloween decorations can break the law in some instances. Officer Christian Bruckhart of the New Haven Police Department in Connecticut told Nexstar (WTNH) that exceptions to the First Amendment would be decorations that include “explicit threats of violence” or “defamation of an individual.” Bruckhart said decorations could also be labeled a criminal violation if they contained explicit violent or pornographic imagery. 

Tips To Avoid a Halloween Visit From Texas Police

According to FindLaw.com, there are some simple rules to follow to avoid any legal issues during the Halloween season.

Secure Large Displays

Texas is known for being windy, so if you bought that 20 foot tall Skeleton this year, make sure it is weighed down and secured. Tricks are fine, but no one wants to treated to a lawsuit due to a Halloween display that causes an accident. You also want to make sure that there are no electrical cords on your property sidewalks or front porch.

Don't Be Violently Political

Halloween costumes are often political in nature, but avoid yard decorations that be seen as threatening.  Putting a neighbor's name on a tombstone may be seen as a threat.

Be Careful With Crowds on Halloween in Texas

Everyone loves a great yard display, but if yours draws a ton of traffic, you may get a visit from the police. Remember that your neighbors want easy access to and from their homes. If there is a traffic back up, police may ask you to shut it down.