Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really 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 physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”