Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period 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 displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging 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 Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”