Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”