Political Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”