Political Nativity Scenes at American Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays have appeared that critique aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, depicting the infant Christ and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb
One powerful installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a manger amidst snow. Yet, the doll is covered by the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are dressed in body armor marked with the letters “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Chicago church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”
“Christmas is a period where we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the installations.
Statements Spread Across the Country
These visual protests reflect the prominent role taken by faith leaders in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political displays have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a parish removed 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 religious and government officials.
Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these displays, framing the age-old tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to ongoing administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many households today, encompassing family separation and the removal of working loved ones.
It is not the first time churches have used nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.
Facing Pushback and Enduring the Elements
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than engaging with what the true meaning is.”
In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At another location, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now marks the space, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”
