Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when 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.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”