Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”