An installation on the steps of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church depicts the holy family in modern-day context. Photo: Courtesy of Oak Lawn UMC
The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church is among several U.S. churches using Nativity scenes to protest the Trump administration's intensifying immigration crackdowns.
Why it matters: The Nativity scenes have become one of the most visible acts of Christmas dissent amid ramped-up workplace raids, home arrests and new restrictions on asylum and legal immigration.
The provocative displays are part of a growing trend of Christian activism on immigration, especially among mainline Protestant churches, Catholic parishes and progressive evangelical groups.
Zoom in: The Oak Lawn United Methodist Church's outdoor Nativity shows a cage topped with razor wire and features a shopping cart and trash barrels.
"May this scene call us to make room — in our hearts, in our city, in our policies — for the Christ who comes as an unhoused immigrant child," Rev. Rachel Griffin-Allison said in a statement.
The church is encouraging the public to take photos of the display and "reflect on how the story of Christ's birth speaks into the urgent realities facing Dallas today."
Zoom out: A church in Illinois erected a Nativity installation with no Mary, Joseph or baby Jesus, replaced by a sign reading "Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding."
In Charlotte, N.C., a church created a Nativity scene depicting masked immigration agents with bulletproof vests and handcuffs near the Holy Family. A vandal damaged the scene, which was later restored.
The big picture: Pope Leo XIV and many church leaders oppose the Trump administration's immigration and mass deportation policies.
This week, the pope replaced the Catholic Church's New York archbishop, a Trump ally, with an Illinois native who supports "meaningful immigration reform" in the U.S.
The other side: In a statement to Axios, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told those who have used Christmas Nativity scenes to protest immigration enforcement to "get a grip and seek help."
