Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political frame draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time congregations 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 universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”