Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”