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

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”