Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”