🔗 Share this article Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency. Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member 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 engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities. A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states. In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members. It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency. Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member 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 engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”