Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Offer Commentary on ICE

Across the United States, Christmas exhibits are on display that comment on aggressive federal immigration crackdowns. These scenes retell the classic Christmas story, depicting the infant Jesus and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures affected by the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows baby Jesus placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the figure is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil thermal blankets often distributed to detainees and has its hands secured by zip-ties.

Close by, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been adopted by activists seeking protection from chemical agents. Beside her are representations of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Windy City church, the customary models of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph are conspicuously absent from the standard display with camels and donkeys and wise men. Instead, a sign bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the Holy Family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time where we have displays in front of the church and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister behind one of the displays.

Messages Spread Nationwide

These visual protests are extensions of the visible role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar socially conscious displays have been erected in other states.

In one New England state, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its nativity scene. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that read: “ICE was here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm despite complaints from various diocesan and government officials.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

According to the creators of these displays, presenting the age-old tale of the nativity within a modern sociopolitical context draws attention to current government priorities. They argue that the holy family’s status as refugees parallels the actual fears and realities of numerous families today, encompassing being torn apart and the removal of working loved ones.

This is not the initial instance churches have used Christmas displays for social commentary. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the climate crisis.

Encountering Criticism and Enduring Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating noted that some detractors either misinterpret the intent or “consider it very challenging to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the display rather than considering what the true message is.”

In a physical sense, the weather have also impacted one display. At another location, the figure of Joseph was knocked over in a windstorm and was unable to be restored. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to honor and remember all the those affected of immigration enforcement actions.”