Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands 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 activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared 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 sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”