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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”