Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.
Statements Echo Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant 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 Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”
