Political Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct statement: “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 opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”