Political Nativity Displays at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the newborn Jesus and his family, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows baby Jesus lying in a crib amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of emergency blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by protesters seeking protection from tear gas. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in seclusion.”

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

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the prominent part taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

According to those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring focus to current administrative priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the actual anxieties and realities of many families today, including family separation and the removal of working family members.

This is not the first time congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of St. Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”