Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Close by, 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. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”