Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “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 opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find 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 physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”