Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering 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 message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”