Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

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

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”