Satirical Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and government officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating 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 true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”