Provocative Nativity Scenes at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the US, Christmas displays are on display that critique hardline government immigration policies. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency thermal blankets frequently distributed to those in custody and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of the Virgin Mary stands just outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking to guard against chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of ancient soldiers, however in this scene they are wearing tactical vests marked with the acronym “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At another Windy City church, the customary models of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with animals and wise men. Instead, a placard carries a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent part played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have been erected in multiple states.

In one New England state, a parish took away the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted notice that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various religious and agency leadership.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring focus to ongoing administrative agendas. They argue that the family's experience as refugees mirrors the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of working family members.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. Previously, displays have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister participating noted that some critics either misinterpret the message or “find it really challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”