Political Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the figure 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 hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”