Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however 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 usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected 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 space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”