Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

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

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of complaints from various religious and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At another location, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”