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

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”