Political Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”