Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, 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 sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”