Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. 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 a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”