Provocative Christmas Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, 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 keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”