Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

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

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”