Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. 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 clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message 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 true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”