Political Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”