Political Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period where we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the visible role taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring focus to current administrative agendas. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of numerous households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, displays have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”