Satirical Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”