Provocative Nativity Displays at US Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the US, Christmas exhibits are on display that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. In their place, a placard carries a simple statement: “Due to enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time where we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious exhibits have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that read: “ICE was here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant in the face of criticism from both diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For those behind these displays, presenting the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and realities of many households today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister 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 engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now occupies the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”