Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman 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 church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”