Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”