Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”