Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of 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,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.
This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
