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

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

An Evocative Interpretation 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 figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions 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 installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very 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 literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”