Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Churches Push Back on Immigration Enforcement

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”