Satirical Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”