Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”