Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient 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 place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
