🔗 Share this article Satirical Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in Evanston One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations. Statements Echo Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership. Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members. This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.” In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents. A Stark Interpretation in Evanston One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations. Statements Echo Across the Country These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership. Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members. This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis. Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.” In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”