Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

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