Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”