🔗 Share this article Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents. An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints. Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays. Messages Echo Nationwide These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and government leadership. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones. It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents. An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints. Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.” An Absent Holy Family At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.” “Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays. Messages Echo Nationwide These visual protests reflect the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states. In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and government leadership. Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones. It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis. Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”