Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a parish removed 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 reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”
