Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really 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 physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”