Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas 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.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”