Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, depicting the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

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

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”