Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene with animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context helps bring focus to current government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and realities of many families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”