Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets often given to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern political context helps bring attention to current government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”