Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical way, 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 repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
