Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently given to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to 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 make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a handmade sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws focus to current administrative priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

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

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”