Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands outside the building, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the usual models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in other states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of complaints from both religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time churches have used Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”