HOUSTON – A Houston man’s front yard Halloween decorations in the city’s Second Ward are stirring conversation after neighbors spotted what he says is his political statement on immigration enforcement.
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The display shows two figures with nooses around their necks and zip ties, placed next to a Mexican flag and a third figure dressed in a serape. Mark Rodriguez, who lives on Delmar Street, says he intended the decorations as a message about fear in his community.
Neighbors have had mixed reactions, with some supporting his right to free expression and others criticizing the imagery. It’s those reactions, online and in the neighborhood, that have made the display go viral, adding to the stir Rodriguez says he anticipated.
“I’ve had good and bad controversy on it — some people are really good on it, some people talk bad,” he said. “But what I tell them is by no means am I threatening nobody [sic].”
In Houston's predominantly Hispanic 2nd
— FreedomNews.Tv FNTV (@FreedomNTV) September 26, 2025
Ward neighborhood, a family's annual Halloween display has caused controversy online and throughout the community after many have flocked to see the spectacle.
Decorations included four mannequins, two wearing red hats depicted hanging… pic.twitter.com/a3p5vluIkH
Rodriguez says he put up the display as a response to how immigration enforcement is affecting families, schools, and businesses.
“This is my political statement,” he said. “Our community lives in fear right now — the schools, people are dropping enrollment in the schools, the restaurants, the community, everybody is scared right now.”
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Rodriguez emphasized that his decorations are not meant as a threat.
“I like practicing my First Amendment rights,” he said." I’m by no means threatening nobody [sic]. This isn’t a threat to no agency or no officers."
“This ain’t the first time I’ve done it,” he continued. “I’ve had Halloween decorations for 20 years...I’m directing no hate toward nobody [sic] this is just something I’ve decided to do for Halloween, and right when Halloween is over, I’ll take it down.”
We checked in with HPD, and they told us no one has complained, and even if they did, Rodriguez is not violating any laws.