Political Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”