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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. 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 Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”