Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”
