Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”