Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”