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

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”