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

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional Christmas story, depicting the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil blankets often given to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are figures of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City place of worship, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the installations.

Messages Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the visible role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the tiny figure of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and government leadership.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context draws attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons mirrors the real anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another location, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now occupies the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”