Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”