Political Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”