Political Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”