Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”