🔗 Share this article Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in Evanston One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations. Statements Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency officials. Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones. This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in Evanston One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations. Statements Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency officials. Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones. This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”