Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
