Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These scenes retell the traditional Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, 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 shows baby Jesus lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from tear gas. Beside her are representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the traditional display with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite criticism from both religious and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the family's status as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many families today, including being torn apart and the removal of working family members.

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

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”