Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”