Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”