Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”