Provocative Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Push Back on ICE

Across the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a crib out in the snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the prominent role taken by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have been erected in other states.

In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as refugees parallels the real fears and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of working family members.

It is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”