Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, 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 are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of many households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”