Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. 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 notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to 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 victims of enforcement terror.”