Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with 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 protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed 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 remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
