Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering 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 intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
