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

Throughout the US, Christmas displays have appeared that critique hardline government immigration enforcement crackdowns. These installations reimagine the traditional nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as victims caught up in the tactics of immigration authorities.

An Evocative Retelling in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful installation at a church in the Chicago suburb of Evanston shows the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the figure is covered by the type of thin, foil blankets frequently given to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the statue of Mary stands outside the church, equipped with a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters attempting to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this display they are wearing tactical vests labeled with the letters “ICE.”

‘The Holy Family is in Hiding’

At a different Chicago church, the usual figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the standard nativity scene with camels and donkeys and Magi. Instead, a sign bears a simple message: “Due to ICE activity in our community the holy family is in hiding.”

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

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests are extensions of the visible part taken by faith leaders in recent protests against immigration enforcement. Comparable socially conscious displays have been erected in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a parish removed the small statue of the baby Jesus from its creche. In its spot was a hand-painted sign that stated: “ICE was here.” The parish are said to have remained firm despite complaints from both diocesan and government officials.

Connecting Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

For the creators of these scenes, framing the ancient tale of Christ’s birth within a contemporary sociopolitical context helps bring attention to current government agendas. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the actual fears and experiences of many households today, including being torn apart and the removal of breadwinning family members.

It is not the first time churches have employed nativity scenes for political protest. In previous years, installations have highlighted topics ranging from war to the environmental emergency.

Encountering Criticism and Weathering Storms

The messages are not always widely accepted. A church minister participating commented that some critics either misinterpret the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are lashing out at the display rather than engaging with what the actual message is.”

In a physical way, the elements have also affected one display. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be restored. A replacement sign now occupies the spot, stating: “Joseph was lost. We hold this space to honor and remember all the victims of enforcement terror.”