Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not 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 enforcement terror.”