Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”