Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood 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 opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”