Political Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.
This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
