Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement policies. These scenes reimagine the classic Christmas story, portraying the newborn Christ and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as figures affected by the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a crib out in the snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been used by activists attempting to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Chicago place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are nowhere to be seen from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Across the Country

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

In Massachusetts, a parish took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant despite criticism from both diocesan and government officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political frame helps bring focus to ongoing government agendas. They argue that the family's status as refugees mirrors the actual fears and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the those affected of enforcement actions.”