Satirical Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus 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 despite complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”
