Provocative Nativity Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock hardline government immigration enforcement policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, depicting the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists attempting to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago church, the usual models of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign carries a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have public art in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a church leader involved with one of the displays.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part taken by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the tiny figure of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from various diocesan and agency leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical frame draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing family separation and the deportation of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some critics either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the art rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement terror.”