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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”