Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political frame draws attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of numerous families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”