Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”