Political Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity 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 opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.
It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”
