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

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”