Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, 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 didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”