Political Christmas Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
