Political Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”