Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.
Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”
