Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.
For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
