Political Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“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.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”