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

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”