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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that mock hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative 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 out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”