Provocative Christmas Scenes at US Places of Worship Offer Commentary on ICE

Throughout the US, Christmas exhibits have appeared that mock aggressive federal immigration enforcement crackdowns. These scenes reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ lying in a crib amidst snow. However, the doll is covered by the type of thin, foil thermal blankets often given to detainees and has its hands secured by plastic restraints.

Nearby, the figure of the Virgin Mary is positioned outside the building, equipped with a respirator. Such gear has been used by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. She is flanked by representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City place of worship, the usual figures of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign carries a simple statement: “Due to ICE activity 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,” said a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Across the Country

These artistic statements are extensions of the visible role played by faith leaders in ongoing demonstrations against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In one New England state, a church took away the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have stood defiant in the face of criticism from both religious and government leadership.

Connecting Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old story of Christ’s birth within a modern political context draws attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s experience as refugees mirrors the actual anxieties and experiences of many families today, encompassing being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. Previously, installations have addressed issues ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Enduring Storms

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

In a literal sense, the elements have also affected one scene. At a separate location, the statue of St. Joseph was blown down in a storm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to memorialize all the victims of enforcement actions.”