Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional 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.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”