Provocative Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”