Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. 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 a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal 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 conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating 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 meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”