Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”