Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement
Across the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in Evanston
One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.
Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At another Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.
In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements
The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
