Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
