Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that comment on aggressive government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a direct statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”