Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”