Political Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message 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 restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”