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

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to current administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons mirrors the actual fears and realities of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement actions.”