Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”