Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”