Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”