Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its wrists secured by zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring animals and wise men. Instead, a placard bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in recent protests against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these displays, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern political frame helps bring attention to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees parallels the real anxieties and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

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

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A clergy member participating noted that some detractors 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 considering what the true message is.”

In a literal sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”