A traditional symbol of hope and peace has been dramatically altered within the walls of Oak Lawn United Methodist Church in Dallas, sparking intense debate and outrage. This Christmas, the nativity scene isn’t a celebration of birth, but a stark political statement against U.S. immigration enforcement.
The scene is deliberately unsettling. An empty altar bears a sign that bluntly declares, “ICE was here.” Mary and Joseph, central figures in the Christmas story, are imprisoned within a barbed-wire cage on the church steps, their faces shadowed, their hope seemingly extinguished. Crucially, the infant Jesus is absent.
Church officials have accompanied this display with other pronouncements, proclaiming “HOLY ARE TRANS LIVES” and “HOLY ARE OUR UNSHELTERED NEIGHBORS.” Yet, a pragmatic note is also present, with posted requests asking visitors to refrain from sleeping on the property, littering, or using the building as a restroom.
Associate Pastor Isabel Marquez openly admits the display’s political intent. She argues that it reflects the current climate, a time when she believes those seeking refuge are met with closed doors. Marquez draws a direct parallel to the biblical story, claiming the Holy Family’s plight mirrors the experiences of modern immigrants.
“Jesus was very political,” Marquez asserted, pointing to his association with the marginalized. She frames the scene as “sacred resistance,” suggesting the church is echoing the innkeeper’s rejection of Mary and Joseph in a contemporary context. The message is clear: the church views current immigration policies as a denial of compassion and shelter.
The display has ignited a firestorm of reaction, quickly spreading across social media platforms. Many are expressing shock and dismay at what they perceive as a desecration of a sacred tradition, twisting its meaning for a political agenda.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Oak Lawn United Methodist Church has a history of embracing progressive causes, previously painting its steps in rainbow colors in defiance of a state order restricting similar displays. The church has also hosted events like drag shows and transgender clothing swaps, signaling a clear commitment to far-left ideologies.
The church has also publicly declared its intention to resist any attempts by Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter the premises without a valid warrant, further solidifying its stance as a sanctuary for those facing deportation. This act of defiance underscores the church’s willingness to directly challenge federal authority.
Similar displays have emerged in other congregations nationwide, including one in Illinois where baby Jesus was depicted in zip-tie handcuffs, referencing a recent ICE raid. These scenes represent a growing trend of using the nativity story to protest immigration policies, transforming a symbol of hope into a vehicle for political activism.
