Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”