🔗 Share this article Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. A Stark Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties. Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations. Messages Spread Nationwide These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and agency officials. Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue For those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members. It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.” In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. A Stark Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties. Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations. Messages Spread Nationwide These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and agency officials. Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue For those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members. It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.” In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”