Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted 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 occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”