Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”
