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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”