Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood 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,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”