Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”