Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

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

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”