Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict 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 message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”