Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”