Satirical Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

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

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”