Satirical Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

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

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various religious and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern political frame helps bring focus to current government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”