Provocative Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”