Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”