Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

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

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”