Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult 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 literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”
