Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”