Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister 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 meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”