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

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”