Political Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display with animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite criticism from various diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”