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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions 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 say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”