Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.
It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors 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 message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
