Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
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 wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
