Political Christmas Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock hardline federal immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”