Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”