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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”