Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”