Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”
