Political Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “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 Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”