Provocative Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used 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 letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”