Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”