Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and government officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”