Satirical Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often 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. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
