Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline federal immigration policies. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period 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 Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”