Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”