Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
