Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern political context draws focus to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”