Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”