Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church 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 emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
