Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”