Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”