Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
