A homeowner in Jackson Township says he’s getting death threats for his politically-themed Halloween decorations — with one person going as far as threatening to burn his house down.
The decorations adorning the house on Frank Applegate Road include a chain-linked fence, labeled Alligator Alcatraz.
The makeshift immigrant detention center was given the nickname by Trump officials for its remote location in the Florida Everglades. Humanitarian advocates have criticized the facility, which began housing detainees over summer, on claims of unsanitary conditions.
Some of the characters seen in the Alcatraz Halloween scene are wearing sombreros and are pictured hanging by their necks. In another part of the display, a vehicle labeled ICE appears to be running over a dummy and is surrounded by skeletons wearing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement uniforms. One is also meant to be Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Joe, the homeowner asked not to fully identify himself, said he’s proudly expressed his support of the president by hanging Trump-themed flags and merchandise in his yard, which is viewable from the street.
“I love what he’s (Trump) is doing for the country,” Joe said. “He’s for America.”
In past holidays, Joe made a display depicting former President Joe Biden tripping on the stairs to Air Force One.
Dozens of people have driven by Joe’s home to see the decorations, which have gone viral on social media. Some enjoy them, while others shout expletives at the family passing by, Joe said. In the last two days, one woman confronted Joe and his family, prompting them to contact township police.
“I think it’s ridiculous that they’re going out of proportion like this,” said Joe.
So far, township officials have not received any formal complaints from other residents, newly sworn-in Mayor Jennifer Kuhn said, suggesting that some signs with profanity be removed or covered.
“My thing was there are kids, and the profanity out in front…I think is a little bit much, but that’s my personal opinion,” said Kuhn, who recently took over as mayor after the township’s long-time leader resigned.
Jackson Township police did not return a request for comment.
Despite the disdain, the politically influenced decorations won’t be taken down, Joe said.
“I’m actually going to add more,” he said.
This year’s display appears to have gone viral after a woman driving by stopped to film, posting the video to TikTok. In it, Joe appears to be sitting outside as the woman, who is seen parking her car several feet from the home, shouts questions of, “What do you do for a living? You think this is normal?”
Joe invites anyone to stop by to observe his weeks’ worth of work, regardless of what public officials they support, he said.
“Everybody’s got their political differences, and we’re supposed to talk about it,” Joe said. “That’s what this country has lost.”
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