Political Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”