Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement actions.”