Satirical Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

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

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions 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,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”