Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

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

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”