Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”