Political Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”