Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Nationwide
These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.
In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue
According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”
