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

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

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

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”