Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”