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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm 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 those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”