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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”