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

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”