Satirical Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.
An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.
Messages Echo Across the Country
These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.
Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.
This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.
Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”
In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”
