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

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”