Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community 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 church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

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

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”