Political Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws focus to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
