Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”