Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”