Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “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 traditional nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

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