Provocative Nativity Displays at US Places of Worship Push Back on ICE
Throughout the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration crackdowns. These installations retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the actions of immigration authorities.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. However, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by activists attempting protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this display they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”
An Absent Holy Family
At a different Windy City place of worship, the usual models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to make a statement,” said a church leader behind one of the displays.
Messages Spread Across the Country
These artistic statements reflect the prominent role taken by religious communities in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in other states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from both religious and agency leadership.
Connecting Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue
For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as refugees parallels the actual fears and experiences of numerous households today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.
This is not the initial instance churches have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.
Encountering Criticism and Enduring the Elements
The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are reacting negatively at the art rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a literal way, the weather have also affected one display. At a separate location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
