Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”