Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”