Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”