Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”