Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“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 behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests 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 nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”