Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”