Political Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“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 involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”