Provocative Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary 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 message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”