Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

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

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”