🔗 Share this article Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.” In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.” “The holiday season is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones. It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.” In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”