Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests 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 conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”