🔗 Share this article Satirical Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations. Statements Echo Nationwide These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states. In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership. Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.” In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations. Statements Echo Nationwide These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states. In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership. Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.” In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”