Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly remained firm despite criticism from various religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”