PICKENS COUNTY, Ga. — A Pickens County School District employee has issued a public apology after a Halloween costume worn by her and her husband sparked backlash among local parents and community members.

Photos circulating on Facebook show Wendy Gleason, a bookkeeper and administrative assistant at Tate Elementary School, wearing a sombrero, a poncho, and a fake mustache. Standing next to her in the photo is her husband, dressed in clothing resembling that of an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent.

The image quickly generated controversy, with some residents accusing the couple of mocking Hispanic people and making light of sensitive immigration issues.

Sara Brown, a local parent, commented, "I don't think it's a laughing matter to dress up like ICE and a Hispanic person.

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