🔗 Share this article Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations. Statements Echo Across the Country These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations. Statements Echo Across the Country These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”