Political Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”