Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”