Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”