Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
