Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ 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 wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by faith leaders 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 creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”