Political Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

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

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”