Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed 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 in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”