Political Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that mock hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets often 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 building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood 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 chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from various religious and agency officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

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