Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

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

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”