Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”