Provocative Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled 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 wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Nationwide
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”
