Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”