Satirical Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”