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

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season 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 behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”