Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both 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 political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”