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

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”