Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”