Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”