Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “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 opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”