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

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These installations retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political frame helps bring attention to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”