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

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church 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.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate 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 memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”