Political Nativity Scenes at US Churches Push Back on ICE

Across the US, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the kind of thin, foil blankets frequently distributed to detainees and has its hands bound with plastic restraints.

Close by, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a direct statement: “Because of ICE activity in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“The holiday season is a period when we have public art in front of the church and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Echo Nationwide

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in ongoing protests against federal policies. Comparable political exhibits have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have remained firm in the face of criticism from both religious and agency officials.

Linking Biblical Narrative and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the age-old story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws focus to current government agendas. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and realities of many households today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

It is not the initial instance congregations have used Christmas displays for political protest. Previously, installations have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Pushback and Enduring Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “find it very challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one scene. At another church, the figure of St. Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the space, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”