🔗 Share this article Political Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members. This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency. Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents. An Evocative Retelling in Evanston One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties. Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.” ‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’ At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.” “Christmas is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays. Messages Spread Across the Country These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states. In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials. Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members. This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency. Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.” In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”