Satirical Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”