Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”