Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”