Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”