Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when 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 displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”