Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”