🔗 Share this article Satirical Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and agency officials. Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members. This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency. Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.” In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities. An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and agency officials. Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members. This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency. Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.” In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”