Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”