Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
