Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by protesters attempting protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct 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 say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

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

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”