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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”