Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm despite criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”