Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”