Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

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

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”