Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”