Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”