Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
