Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”