Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”