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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging 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 scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”