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

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

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

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”