Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”