Provocative Christmas Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Retelling in Evanston
One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
This is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms
The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”