Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”