Satirical Christmas Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult 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 literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”