Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”