Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, wearing a respirator. Such gear has been adopted by protesters attempting protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical frame draws attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the figure 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 keep this place to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”