Provocative Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE
Throughout the United States, satirical holiday displays are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration policies. These scenes retell the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Christ and his family, Joseph and Mary, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.
A Stark Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb
One striking installation at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its wrists bound with plastic restraints.
Nearby, the statue of the Virgin Mary is positioned just outside the church, equipped with a respirator. This item has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this display they are wearing body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”
‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’
At another Windy City place of worship, the customary figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard carries a direct message: “Because of ICE activity in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”
“The holiday season is a period when 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.
Messages Echo Nationwide
These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in multiple states.
In Massachusetts, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish reportedly remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.
Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis
According to the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of the nativity within a contemporary sociopolitical context draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the holy family’s experience as displaced persons parallels the actual anxieties and experiences of numerous households today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.
It is not the first time congregations have employed Christmas displays for political protest. In previous years, displays have highlighted issues ranging from war to the environmental emergency.
Facing Criticism and Enduring Storms
The messages are not always widely accepted. A clergy member participating noted that some critics either do not fully understand the message or “find it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the actual message is.”
In a physical way, the weather have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A replacement sign now marks the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of immigration enforcement actions.”
