Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed 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 remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”