Satirical Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
