Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
