Provocative Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”