Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”