Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

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

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”