Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
