Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the actions of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One striking display at a church in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ lying in a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of emergency blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, wearing a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by protesters seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, however in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At a different Chicago church, the customary figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the traditional display featuring camels and donkeys and Magi. In their place, a placard bears a simple message: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an opportunity to make a statement,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible part taken by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable political exhibits have appeared in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials reportedly stood defiant despite criticism from both religious and government officials.

Connecting Biblical Narrative and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a modern sociopolitical frame helps bring attention to ongoing administrative agendas. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and realities of numerous households today, including being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

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

Facing Criticism and Enduring the Elements

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “find it very difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the true message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also impacted one display. At another church, the statue of Joseph was knocked over in a storm and was unable to be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”