Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”