Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
