Political Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”