Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays 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 church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”