Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
