Political Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”