Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”