Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors 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 actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”