Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”