Political Nativity Displays at American Churches Push Back on ICE

Throughout the United States, satirical holiday exhibits are on display that comment on hardline government immigration policies. These installations reimagine the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Christ and his family, Mary and Joseph, as figures caught up in the tactics of enforcement agents.

A Stark Interpretation in Evanston

One powerful installation at a church in Evanston, Illinois shows the infant Christ placed within a manger amidst snow. However, the doll is wrapped in the kind of thin, foil blankets often distributed to those in custody and has its wrists bound with zip-ties.

Close by, the figure of Mary is positioned just outside the building, equipped with a gas mask. Such gear has been adopted by activists seeking to guard against tear gas. Beside her are figures of ancient soldiers, but in this scene they are wearing body armor labeled with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Windy City church, the usual figures of the holy family are conspicuously absent from the standard display featuring animals and Magi. Instead, a placard bears a direct statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our community the Holy Family is in seclusion.”

“Christmas is a period when we have displays in front of the church and we get an opportunity to say something,” said a senior minister behind one of the installations.

Statements Spread Across the Country

These visual protests reflect the prominent role played by religious communities in ongoing protests against immigration enforcement. Similar political displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the small statue of Christ from its nativity scene. Left behind was a hand-painted sign that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” Church officials are said to have remained firm in the face of complaints from various diocesan and government leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Modern Crisis

For those behind these scenes, framing the ancient story of Christ’s birth within a contemporary political context helps bring attention to current administrative priorities. They contend that the holy family’s status as displaced persons parallels the real fears and experiences of many families today, including being torn apart and the deportation of breadwinning loved ones.

This is not the first time congregations have used nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the environmental emergency.

Facing Criticism and Weathering the Elements

The statements are not always universally welcomed. A church minister involved commented that some detractors either misinterpret the message or “consider it really challenging to their conscience and are lashing out at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a physical sense, the elements have also impacted one display. At a separate church, the figure of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and could not be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the spot, declaring: “Joseph was lost. We keep this place to memorialize all the victims of immigration enforcement terror.”