Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”