Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

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

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

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