Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political context draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, including family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”