Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled 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 nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

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

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”