Satirical Christmas Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”