Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that mock hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a church leader involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”