Political Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”