Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”