Political Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.
This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics 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 way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
