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

Throughout the United States, Christmas displays are on display that critique aggressive government immigration policies. These scenes retell the classic nativity story, portraying the newborn Jesus and his parents, Joseph and Mary, as victims affected by the tactics of enforcement agents.

An Evocative Interpretation in a Chicago Suburb

One powerful display at a congregation in Evanston, Illinois features the infant Christ placed within a manger out in the snow. Yet, the doll is wrapped in the type of emergency blankets often given to those in custody and has its hands bound with zip-ties.

Nearby, the figure of Mary is positioned outside the church, wearing a gas mask. This item has been used by protesters seeking to guard against tear gas. She is flanked by figures of Roman soldiers, but in this scene they are dressed in body armor marked with the acronym “ICE.”

An Absent Holy Family

At another Chicago place of worship, the customary figures of the holy family are nowhere to be seen from the traditional nativity scene featuring camels and donkeys and wise men. In their place, a placard bears a simple statement: “Because of enforcement actions in our neighborhood the holy family is in hiding.”

“The holiday season is a time when we have displays out on the lawn and we get an chance to say something,” remarked a senior minister involved with one of the displays.

Statements Echo Across the Country

These artistic statements reflect the prominent role played by faith leaders in recent demonstrations against federal policies. Comparable socially conscious displays have appeared in multiple states.

In Massachusetts, a church removed the tiny figure of Christ from its creche. Left behind was a handmade notice that read: “Immigration authorities were here.” The parish are said to have stood defiant despite complaints from both religious and agency leadership.

Linking Ancient Story and Contemporary Issue

According to the creators of these scenes, presenting the ancient story of the nativity within a contemporary political context draws focus to ongoing government priorities. They contend that the family's experience as displaced persons parallels the real anxieties and experiences of many families today, including family separation and the deportation of breadwinning family members.

It is not the initial instance congregations have employed nativity scenes for social commentary. Previously, displays have highlighted issues ranging from conflict to the climate crisis.

Facing Pushback and Weathering Storms

The statements are not always widely accepted. A clergy member involved noted that some detractors either do not fully understand the intent or “consider it really difficult to their sense of right and wrong and are reacting negatively at the art rather than engaging with what the actual meaning is.”

In a literal way, the weather have also affected one scene. At a separate church, the statue of Joseph was blown down in a windstorm and was unable to be repaired. A substitute notice now marks the space, stating: “Joseph didn’t make it. We hold this space to memorialize all the those affected of enforcement terror.”