Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
