Political Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a crib amidst snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the holy family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art out on the lawn and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the installations.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Similar political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from various diocesan and government leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the age-old tale of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws attention to ongoing government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as displaced persons mirrors the real fears and experiences 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 political protest. In previous years, installations have addressed topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At another church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A substitute notice now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement terror.”