Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

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

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”