Political Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a modern political context draws attention to current government agendas. They argue that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really difficult to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement terror.”