🔗 Share this article Political Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations. Statements Spread Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints. Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations. Statements Spread Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.” In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”