Political Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message 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 message is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
